Three people were killed while searching for the killers of the Deputy Police Officer (DPO) in River State.
The incident occurred in the Odiemere community of Ahoada East Local Government.
The victims were reportedly killed by security personnel who were deployed to the Akoh kingdom after the murder of Superintendent of Police Bako Angbashim by cultists in the area.
The security personnel were part of the team assigned to track down the killers under the orders of Governor Sir Siminalaye Fubara. On Sunday, it was reported that three people were killed in Odiemere Community by security operatives in the area.
Although the DPO was killed in Odiemudie, the search operation extended to Odiemere where the three individuals lost their lives.
A source in the community, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the three victims were not affiliated with any cult groups.
According to the source, the young men saw the heavily armed security personnel and tried to flee before they were shot. One of the victims died on the spot while the other two passed away at a health facility where they were rushed for treatment.
The source said, “The security personnel have killed three people in Odiemere. The young men saw the security personnel and started running, so the security personnel shot them. One of them died on the spot, while the other two died at the hospital. As we speak, Odiemere is deserted.”
Furthermore, on Sunday afternoon, operatives from the Department of State Security (DSS) arrested His Royal Majesty Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, Eze Igbu-akoh II, the King of Akoh Kingdom, in connection with the brutal murder of Bako. Ikegbidi had previously been suspended indefinitely by the State Governor due to alleged involvement in the heinous murder.
Governor Fubara accused Ikegbidi of relinquishing control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang, which allowed them to freely engage in criminal activities. It was reported that the kingdom was subsequently handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the King has been interrogated regarding the situation in his kingdom.
The source revealed that Ikegbidi was taken to his Port Harcourt residence and later to his palace in Ihugbogo Community for a search as part of the ongoing investigation.
The arrest of His Royal Majesty Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi sent shockwaves throughout the Akoh Kingdom. The King, known for his regal presence and strong leadership, had always been revered by his subjects. The news of his alleged involvement in the murder of Superintendent Bako Angbashim left the community in disbelief and confusion.
As word spread of the arrest, protests erupted in various parts of Akoh Kingdom. The residents, in a display of solidarity for their beloved King, took to the streets demanding his immediate release. They believed that Ikegbidi was being framed and that the true culprits behind the heinous act were still at large. They argued that the arrest of their King was merely a ploy to divert attention from the shortcomings of the security personnel deployed to their community.
The atmosphere in Akoh Kingdom was tense, with emotions running high. The people felt a deep sense of injustice. They had lost the DPO, a figure of authority who was meant to protect and serve them, and now their King, who was a symbol of unity and strength.
Inside the palace, investigators meticulously combed through every room, searching for any evidence that could shed light on the murder and the alleged involvement of the King. As they uncovered information, they discovered a network of corruption and illicit activities that stretched far beyond the boundaries of the Akoh Kingdom. The investigation revealed the intricate web spun by David Gift and his gang, which had infiltrated various sectors of society.
Meanwhile, the Governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, faced mounting pressure to restore order to the troubled region. Public outrage grew as more questions were raised about the effectiveness of the security personnel deployed to the area. The loss of innocent lives in Odiemere further fueled the flames of discontent.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Fubara carried out a comprehensive review of the security operations in River State. He ordered an immediate suspension of the security personnel involved in the Odiemere incident and vowed to hold them accountable for their actions. Understanding the concerns of the community, the Governor reassured the people that justice would be served and those responsible for the killings would face the full force of the law.
As investigations continued and tension remained high, the people of Akoh Kingdom held onto hope. They knew that their beloved King, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, was a man of integrity and honor. They believed that the truth would eventually come to light, restoring his name and bringing justice to the Deputy Police Officer, Bako Angbashim.
But for now, the winds of uncertainty and apprehension swept through the kingdom, leaving its residents grappling with the aftermath of tragedy and seeking answers in the face of an unfolding investigation.
