Robbers attack bank in Ondo, kill one

A gang of armed robbers yesterday attacked a branch of an old generation commercial bank in Iju town, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, where they killed a female official of the bank and carted away an undisclosed amount of money.

It was gathered that the bandits struck the bank, which is located along Akure-Ado Ekiti expressway, at about 2:30p.m. and started shooting discriminately.

An eyewitness said the robbers appeared from Ado Ekiti axis of the road and went straight to the bank.

According to the eyewitness, the robbery operation lasted for over 30 minutes without any interruption from security agents, despite the bank located less than one kilometre to the Iju Divisional Police Station.

The eyewitness told newsmen: “When they entered into the town, there were gunshots everywhere around the bank area. The residents of the area had to run for safety. On entering into the premises of the bank, the robbers blew up the bank’s bullet-proof door with dynamite to gain entrance into the banking hall after which they stole money.”

Another source said the robber shot dead the female official immediately they entered into the premises. He said: “Three persons were victims of the robbery attack; one female bank worker, one customer and other person in the banking hall. The banker worker died instantly while the others were severely injured.

The robber went away with three big bags full of money and drove towards Ado Ekiti.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said the men of the command were already on their trail.

“We can confirm that one person died in the operation. Our men engaged them in a shoot-out, they had to abandon the vehicle they brought to the area and ran into the bush. Our men are already combing the bush and I am sure they would be arrested. We have commenced an investigation into the incident,” Joseph said.