Two suspected robbers were shot dead, and two passersby killed by stray bullets yesterday when armed hoodlums attempted to rob several banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The gang of men had, at about 9am, stormed the banks located in Folagbade area of the town in an 18-seater bus and a Jetta Volkswagen, armed with sophisticated weapons. They were said to have fired sporadic shots into the air, apparently to scare away workers and residents. Passersby ran helter-skelter, while motorists abandoned their vehicles to escape from the troubled spot.
Following information received about their presence, the police raced to the scene with Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), thereby forcing the bandits to flee. They took time out to shoot at and deflate the tyres on the armoured vehicle as they run away.
Two of the suspects were killed in the shooting, but the rest of the gang escaped..
Police promise
Banks in Ijebu Ode were shut down some months ago in protest of the incessant bank robberies in the town. They were re-opened recently after the state government purchased the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
The State Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, said that the Command was on top of the situation and that he has been in close contact with the Area Commander of the area.
“I am still awaiting details from the Area Commander, but I have been in regular contact with him,” Mr Daura said. The police boss urged members of the public to go about their normal duties, promising that the police will not relent in providing adequate security to the people in the state, especially during the last months of the year.
