Armed robbers raid three banks, kill seven in Benue

Daredevil armed robbers on Friday stormed three banks in the Otukpo area of Benue State and carted away several millions of naira.

The suspected robbers were said to have driven into the town around 3:15 pm and used dynamites to force the banks’ doors open.

The robbers who were said to have operated more than one hour, killed seven people including policemen and a former councillor transacting business in one of the affected banks.

Otukpo is the political seat of Benue South Senatorial District comprising Idoma and Igede ethnic groups.

An eyewitness who simply identified himself as Sunny and Point On Sales (PoS) operator near one of the banks, said that the robbers first attacked the police station before proceeding to the banks.

“It was sporadic gunshots that alerted people and passers-by to the arrival of the suspected robbers.

“Everyone scampered for safety. What they did was first attack the police station, which is near the three banks.

“The banks affected include United Bank for Africa, UBA, Zenith Bank, and First Bank Plc.

“The robbers operated for more than an hour without resistance from security operatives, and they killed two people,” he said.

The eyewitness said the robbers were throwing naira notes as they left in two Hilux vehicles and one car.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the robbery incident but said she had yet to get details from officers in Otukpo.

Anene said. “I have not been able to speak with the DPO or any of the officers there, but I know there is an incident. I don’t want to be disturbing them, so let’s give it some time.”