Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the pursuit of Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, also known as 2-Baba, and his criminal gang for their involvement in the murder of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbashim in Odiemudie Community, Ahoada East local government area of the state.
Governor Fubara has additionally offered a substantial reward of N100 million for anyone providing valuable information leading to the capture and prosecution of 2-Baba.
Furthermore, the governor has imposed an indefinite suspension on monarch Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, citing his involvement in allowing David Gift and his gang to operate freely within his territory.
The governor’s statement, issued on Saturday evening, reveals that the monarch had relinquished control of his domain to the criminal group, enabling them to carry out their illicit activities.
The statement explains, “On the evening of September 8, 2023, I was briefed on the security situation in Odiemudie Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, and the tragic murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, by a group of fugitives who remain at large.
SP Bako and his team were ambushed and attacked by these criminals during their operation, resulting in his unfortunate shooting, capture, and eventual murder by his captors.
“Reliable intelligence from security agencies has linked this entire incident to Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, also known as 2-Baba, and his criminal gang, who have established bases in the area and are responsible for the escalating violent crimes, including kidnappings and acts of terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.
As a responsible government, we cannot stand idly by and allow criminals and criminal activities to thrive unchecked in any part of our State.
“Consequently, following a comprehensive assessment of the situation and consultations with security agencies, we have decided to implement the following measures to ensure justice for SP Bako’s murderers and to address the deteriorating security conditions in Ahoada East Local Government:
“First, we hereby declare the prime suspect, Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba), and all members of his criminal gang as wanted individuals.
Secondly, we are offering a bounty of one hundred million naira (N100,000,000.00) for anyone providing credible information leading to their arrest and prosecution.
“Thirdly, we have suspended His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, indefinitely for his complicity in allowing David Gift and his gang to operate freely within his territory and carry out criminal activities.”
Governor Fubara emphasized, “We reiterate our commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and pledge to do everything within our power to apprehend Gift David and his gang and bring them to justice.
“Lastly, on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of SP Bako, particularly his wife, children, and the State’s Police Command, for this irreparable loss.
SP Bako was an exceptional, courageous, and dedicated police officer who sacrificed his life to protect us.
He gave his life in the line of duty, and we honor him for his remarkable bravery and sacrifice.
“The Government of Rivers State will not leave his family to bear the burden of this sudden and irreplaceable loss alone.
We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
