The Police Community Relations Committee in Rivers State has paid tribute to the late former Divisional Police Officer of the Ahoada Police Division, Bako Angbashim, three years after his death, calling for his immortalisation.
Angbashim was killed by suspected cultists led by David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, at Odiemudie community in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on September 8, 2023.
About five months later, the tactical and intelligence-driven operations of the Rivers State Police Command, under the then Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, who is now the Inspector-General of Police, led to the death of 2Baba in February 2024.
Speaking on the third anniversary of Angbashim’s death, the Rivers State Chairman of the PCRC, Dr Voke Emore, described the late police officer as a sacrificial lamb who paid the supreme price for the restoration of peace, law and order in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas.
Emore said although Angbashim was no longer alive, his legacies and passion for combating insecurity remained indelible and could not be erased.
He noted that the late DPO discharged his duties with professionalism and diligence, adding that he brought pride to the Rivers State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force.
The PCRC chairman recalled Angbashim’s achievements while serving as the DPO of the Bori Police Division in Khana Local Government Area, particularly his efforts in restoring peace and security in Ogoni.
He said Angbashim’s performance in Bori was so impactful that residents protested his transfer to the Ahoada Police Division at a time when insecurity was heightened in the area.
Emore therefore called on the Rivers State Government, as well as the Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Councils, to immortalise the late police officer by naming a major project after him.
He also prayed God to continue to give the family of the late DPO the strength and fortitude to bear his loss.
