The Rivers State police command, on Friday, in Port Harcourt, announced the recovery of the corpse of Gift Okpara, alias 2Baba, leader of the cult group who killed a former Divisional Police Officer of Ahaoda Division, SP Bako Angbashim.
Angbashim was on September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East Local Government Area, murdered and his body decapitated by 2Baba and his gang members who made and circulated a video of how they carried out the dastardly act.
Security agencies had since then been on trail of the gang members, arresting several persons connected with the incident while 2Baba continued to evade arrest until February 17 when he was killed in a raid on his new hideout.
His body was not found until Friday when the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, announced that men of his command had successfully located his shallow grave at Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
CP Disu said: “Based on credible information, our tactical operatives successfully located the shallow grave of Gift Okpara ‘M,’ also known as 2baba, a notorious Iceland cult leader in Ebrass, Ahoada West, Rivers State.
“We were able to recover the corpse of 2Baba, who was responsible for the brutal murder of former DPO Ahaoda Division, late SP Bako Angbashim on September 8, 2023, in Odumude community, Ahaoda East Local Government Area.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a part in this operation, particularly our dedicated tactical teams and the IRT special team.
“I want to extend my special thanks to the Nigerian Airforce for their invaluable support. Their aerial strike on 2Baba’s camp on February 10 resulted in significant casualties among the gang, which facilitated our subsequent operations.
“Furthermore, the Rivers State police command acknowledges and thanks the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fabura, for his unwavering support throughout this operation. His commitment to maintaining law and order in our state is commendable.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend the officers involved in this operation. They have shown extraordinary dedication and resilience. Their hard work and perseverance were driven by the expectations of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who sought success in bringing 2Baba and his gang to justice.”
Disu also expressed gratitude to the IGP for his support and advice throughout the operation adding that the IGP’s “guidance and leadership have been instrumental in our efforts to combat criminality and maintain peace and security in Rivers State.”
He advised the citizenry to recognise the importance of collaboration and support in the fight against crime, urging the public to “continue providing us (the police) with timely and accurate information that can aid in identifying and apprehending criminals. Together, we can create a safer environment for all.”
He added: “I want to assure the residents of Rivers State that the Rivers State police command remains committed to the safety and security of our state.
“We will continue our operations to apprehend other members of 2baba’s gang and dismantle any remaining criminal networks. We call on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.”