10 killed as robbers raid three Benue banks

No fewer than 10 people were killed as dare-devil gunmen attacked three commercial banks in Otukpo, Benue State yesterday.

The gunmen also carted away millions of naira as they shot sporadically to scare people.

Among the victims of the attacks were three customers including a councilor of Otukpo Ward 2 who was transacting business in one of the affected banks at the time, as well as three policemen and four bank officials.

Ironically, all the commercial banks in the town are located opposite the police divisional office.

A witness, Obande Adukwu, told The Nation that the robbers, who came in two vehicles, stormed the banks at about 3pm.

“They positioned themselves in front of the banks and immediately opened fire on the armed policemen, killing them on the spot and taking away their weapons.

“People ran helter-skelter in the melee that ensued.

Another witness, who pleaded anonymity, said the gunmen first attacked the Police Station opposite the banks and disarmed the operatives on duty before moving into them.

The gunmen, who were said to number more than 15, reportedly gained access to the vaults of the banks and carted away millions of naira in bags.

Adukwu said it was like a scene in a movie for people that watched from distance as the gunmen tore bank doors with bullets.

He said the robbers operated for about two hours without challenge, moving cash from the banks into their getaway vehicles.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kate Aneene, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the attacks.

She, however, said the command was yet to get a report from the Divisional Police Officer at Otukpo.