By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
Tension, fear, and suspense are mounting in Ahoada Town following the recent killing of a divisional police officer, Bako Angbashim, by suspected criminals in the area.
A resident in the town, who spoke to TPCN on condition of anonymity on Sunday, revealed that the tense atmosphere is causing sleepless nights for them while fear of the unknown now hangs in the air since the killing of SP Angbashim.
“Things are no longer the same here. Though we’ve been living in fear since this year because of criminal activities, cult clashes killings, and kidnappings, but the situation is worse now since the killing of the DPO. Everybody is afraid, for these criminals to go to that extent. I don’t know what these bad boys want to turn Ahoada to – whether they want everybody to run and leave Ahoada for them.
“Since this year they have been terrorizing the whole area, kidnapping, killing, raping, doing all sorts of things. We can’t sleep with our two eyes closed. Nobody knows who will be the next victim or how Ahoada will be in the coming days as the criminals are still at large. That’s why there is fear everywhere. Some people have even abandoned their houses and relocated to Port Harcourt. I pray that God will help the police to catch the criminals,” the resident said.
He commended the Rivers State Government for setting up a machinery towards apprehending the late DPO’s killers and bringing them to book, adding: “Until these criminals are caught and dealt with, our minds will not be at rest.”
Recall that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had, on Saturday, announced a N100 million bounty on the heads of the suspected killers of SP Bako Angbashim, a divisional police officer (DPO) in Ahoada Town, Ahoada East LGA of the state. Angbanshim was killed on Friday when his team ran into an ambush while returning from an operation.
Governor Fubara, in a statement on Saturday, disclosed that one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, and his criminal gang have been linked to the murder of the senior police officer.
The governor said Okpara and his gang have established camps in the area and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East LGA of the state.
Fubara said his administration would not allow criminals to operate in any part of the state under his watch. He declared the suspects wanted.
Fubara stated: “As a responsible government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state. First, the prime suspects, Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba), and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.
“Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.”
Governor Fubara did not end there. He went ahead to suspend a traditional ruler in the area, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, indefinitely for “acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.”
Moreover, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the murder of Bako Angbashim. He also ordered for immediate arrest and prosecution of the culprits.
In a statement issued by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, Egbetokun said the killing of the DPO is not only an affront to the nation but a reflection of a lack of patriotism and gross illegality.
