· Fate of royal father unknown
· One youth feared killed by rampaging security operatives
By Ignatius Chukwu
The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have arrested six suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer(DPO) of Ahoada East Council of Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim, whose death occurred on Friday in Odumude Forest following an ambush by suspected Iceland cult group.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, on Sunday, noting that the six persons were caught within the community with locally crafted pistol and various charms.
According to Iringe-Koko, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, at approximately 6pm in Odumude Community, Ahaoda East LGA, Rivers State, with the sole aim of recovering the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
She said: “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.”
She, however, said a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been assigned to the division, adding that the DPO is accompanied by half a unit of men from Mopol 48, one-third unit from Mopol 19 and 56, plus 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 remains ongoing,” she said.
Meanwhile, one youth believed to be innocent is said to have been shot dead, one other said to be injured. The youths were said to have fled when the operatives appeared. The operatives allegedly opened fire.
So far, two royal fathers in the area are said to be in some trouble. One is said to be in detention but the other is believed to have been released.
