8 killed as robbers raid banks in Benue
At least eight people were reported killed on Friday after suspected armed robbers invaded four banks in Otukpo town of Benue State. Our correspondent gathered that three police officers, one vigilante and a councillor of Otukpo ward 2 who was transacting business in one of the affected banks were among those killed.
A witness who declined to mention his name, said the armed gang first attacked Otukpo police station located opposite the banks and disarmed all the operatives on duty before moving to the banks as they shot indiscriminately.
The witness also said the four affected banks were Stanbic IBTC, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank and First Bank.
Residents said the suspected robbers drove in two Hilux vehicles and one smaller car to carry out the operation, which lasted for over an hour.
The residents explained that the suspected armed robbers stormed the banks at exactly 3:30pm on Friday and carried on the attack unchallenged till about 4:50pm.
A resident who preferred anonymity told our correspondent earlier on telephone that gun shots rented the air and everybody within the area scuttled for safety.
“They are robbing First Bank and Zenith Bank simultaneously. They stormed the banks at 3:30pm.
“Two vigilantes have lost their lives as we speak. Gunshots renting everywhere; if you listen carefully you would hear the sound. The place is opposite a police station. This is the first time we are experiencing this,” the resident said.
Another resident, Okopi Elijah, said the incident trapped him in his office for several hours after closing from work.
Elijah said the suspected armed robbers went on rampage, destroyed and carted away valuables in the banks unhindered.
The police public relations officer in the state, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details at the time of sending this report.