Fubara orders manhunt for Rivers DPO killers

The governor specifically urged the security agencies to get the prime suspect, Gift Okpara Okpolowu, aka 2 Baba, at all costs as a clear statement that the state is not a haven for criminals.

Fubara stated this while briefing the Government House press corps shortly after an Emergency Security Council meeting in the state seat of power in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement signed by the media aide to the governor, Boniface Onyedi.

According to the statement, Fubara, who described the incident as unfortunate and barbaric, sympathised with the Nigerian Police and the family of the slain senior police officer.

He said, “It is really unfortunate that in our state, where we are doing everything to reduce crime rates, a group of miscreants portray the state as being unsafe. We honestly feel very sad about this incident.

“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 suspending the traditional ruler of that locality. We will do everything in our power to ensure we get to the end of this matter; we must get him at all costs.”

Meanwhile, the State Police Command said six suspects have been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the late Angbashim.

The Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

Our correspondent gathered that Odumude Community in Ahoada East LGA, where SP Angbashim was captured by the miscreants and his body decapitated, had been deserted following a raid led by the Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, on Saturday.

Iringe-Koko explained that the operation on Saturday, which comprised the CP’s management team and tactical units, was to recover the mutilated remains of the slain DPO.

She added that a locally crafted pistol and various charms were recovered during the raid and in police custody.

“A new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been assigned to the division.

“He is accompanied by half a unit of men from Mopol 48, one-third unit from Mopol 19, 56, and tactical teams.

“He has been tasked with a thorough search of the area, apprehension of the culprits responsible for the DPO’s demise, recovery of the body, and location of any operational weapons used.

“This operation will continue while the investigation remains ongoing,” she said.