…as residents desert community
Police in Rivers State have arrested six suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, Superintendent Bako Angbashim, by suspected cultists on Friday.
It was, however, gathered that Odumude Community in Ahoada East LGA, where the suspected cultists captured Angbashim and decapitated him, has been deserted following a raid by the police on Saturday.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the raid in a statement on Sunday, said the arrest followed an operation in the community led by the Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi.
She said that the operation which comprised the CP’s management team and tactical units was to recover the mutilated remains of the slain DPO.
The PPRO said residents of the community were ‘evacuated as a result of the operation, adding that a locally made pistol and various charms recovered during the raid were in police custody.
According to the statement, “The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, CP Nwonyi Emeka Polycarp, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 0600hrs in Odumude Community, Ahaoda East LGA, Rivers State with the objective to recover the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
“During this operation, six suspects were apprehended within the community. Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms.
“These suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Port Harcourt. As a result of these developments, the community has been evacuated by its residents.
“Furthermore, a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been assigned to the division. He is accompanied by half a unit of men from Mopol 48, a one-third unit from Mopol 19, 56, and tactical teams.
“He has been tasked with a thorough search of the area, apprehension of the culprits responsible for the DPO’s demise, recovery of the body, and location of any operational weapons used.
“This operation will continue while the investigation is ongoing.”
