At least eight people have reportedly been killed mid Friday following an attack of four banks in Otukpo town of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
AIT.live gathered that three police officers, one vigilante and councillor of Otukpo Ward II who was transacting business in one of the affected banks were among those killed.
The four affected banks in Otukpo Local Government Area headquarters are Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC, First Bank as well as United Bank for Africa, UBA.
A witness who declined to mention his name, said the armed gang first attacked the Police Station opposite the banks and allegedly disarmed all the operatives on duty before moving into the banks.
Residents however claimed that the robbers drove in two Hilux vehicles and one smaller car to carry out the robbery which lasted over an hour. There are unverified pictures obtained by AIT.live of the armed robbers moving in a Hilux and mini-bus.
The residents explained that the armed robbers stormed the banks at exactly 3.30pm on Friday and carried on the attack unchallenged till about 4:50pm. Although information about the said attack is still sketchy, early reports indicated that the armed robbers attacked the banks without any resistance.
A banker from one of the affected banks confirmed the reports saying the situation is horrible. Another source who also did not want to be named said the robbers were shooting sporadically. “Armed robbers have taken over everywhere in Otukpo. They are just shooting whoever they see. Currently, they are robbing Zenith Bank and they have been here for more than three hours”, he said.
State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details as at the time of filing this report. “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,” Anene said.
NOTE: THIS REPORT HAS BEEN UPDATED
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
