Three Feared Dead as Armed Robbers Attack Two Banks in Ekiti

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

At least three persons were feared killed as armed robbers raided two commercial banks in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere local government area of Ekiti State.

THISDAY gathered that the armed robbers numbering 20 stormed the town around 5:15pm and carried out the attacks on the two commercial banks simultaneously.

It  was also learnt that the robbers first attacked the Ikere command of the Amotekun Corps  along Ise Road and reportedly shot some operatives before attacking the banks.

Sources further told THISDAY that in “the well coordinated attacks” which lasted about 45 minutes, the armed robbers reportedly killed three persons while scores sustained  injuries.

According to the source, the gun-wielding robbers invaded  banks in Oja and Okeosun respectively 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 unspecified huge 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 minute unhindered and escaped despite 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.

“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  us that the soldiers around the axis have been alerted.”

All efforts made by our Correspondent to reach the Ekiti state Police spokesman, Sunday Abutu to get his reaction were not successful.

Several calls made to his mobile phone were not answered while a text message sent to him was  yet to be replied as of the time of gong to press.