The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase CFR, has condemned the gruesome murder and beheading of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim.
The DPO was ambushed with his men by suspected cultists while carrying out raids in Odumude area of Ahoada East.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, Dr. Arase commiserated with the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Polycarp Emeka Nwonyi and the family of the slain senior Police Officer on this unfortunate development especially now that the nation was gradually winning the war against criminals and criminality across the country.
He noted that the murder of the gallant Officer who fought till the end to save Odumude community will not in any way extinguish the indomitable fighting spirit of our Police Officers in the war against social disorders.
He also promised that the Commission would do everything within its constitutional powers to support and encourage the Police to ensure that the criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.
“We will stand with the Police to also ensure that there is no repeat of this barbaric act and will also encourage a proactive intelligence gathering and sharing so as to always arrest this kind of ambush” he intoned.
Dr. Arase further said the death of SP Angbashim known for his gallantry and commitment to duty will never be in vain adding that his colleagues should be challenged to use his death in active service as a motivation to sanitize the security environment.
Similarly, he commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for his prompt action in announcing a financial reward for whoever assists in the arrest of the criminals. Gov Fubara had placed a N100 million bounty for information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits either dead or alive.
“As a government, we will not rest until whoever is responsible for this act is brought to book.
“We have gone further to show our commitment to this issue by placing a bounty on the criminals and also suspended the traditional ruler of that locality. We will do everything on our part to ensure we get to the end of this matter, we must get him at all costs.
“Rivers State has never and will not be a home of criminality. I believe that the caliber of men that are heading the security unit of the state will do everything within their powers to settle these matters,” the Governor said shortly after an emergency security meeting on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the murder and a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been posted to the division.
