Armed robbers attack banks in Ikere-Ekiti, kill three

Armed robbers on Wednesday attacked two financial institutions in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti, reportedly killing three persons.

Sources revealed that the robbers killed a bank official and two security operatives believed to be men of the state Amotekun corps.

It was gathered that the daredevil armed robbers numbering twenty stormed the town around 5:15pm and carried out the attacks on the two commercial banks simultaneously.

 

Tribune Online gathered that the robbers first attacked the Ikere command of the Amotekun Corps  along Ise Road and reportedly shot some operatives before attacking the banks.

A source said that in “the well coordinated attacks” which lasted about 45 minutes, the armed robbers reportedly killed three persons while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

According to the source, the gun-wielding robbers invaded two commercial banks located at Odo Oja and Okeosun and broke the security door with the aid of dynamite before entering the banking hall.

The source disclosed that the dynamite blew up the entrance doors as well as several cars parked in the vicinity of the banks.

He added the armed robbers who split themselves into two groups carted away an unspecified sum of money.

Confirming the incident in a telephone chat with our reporter, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Alagbado, expressed shock at the robbery incident, describing it as unfortunate.

He said it was unfortunate the armed robbers carried out the operations for several minutes unhindered and escaped despite the presence of military checkpoints and Police Area Command in the town.

Oba Alagbado said he has discussed the matter with the security agents and that those who carried out the dastard act must be arrested and prosecuted.

The traditional ruler said, “It is an unfortunate incident that we do not expect to happen. The attacks were on two commercial banks. I  have called the Area Commander, DPO and DSS and they have all assured the soldiers around the axis have been alerted.”

When contacted, the police public relations officer, Sunday Abutu, promised to get back to our correspondent but was yet to do so as of the time of this report.