Armed robbers on Friday raided three banks and killed seven persons in the Otukpo are of Benue State.
It was gathered that the assailants, struck at approximately 3:15 p.m., using dynamite to forcefully gain access to the banks.
The victims of the incident included both civilians, such as a former councillor transacting business in one of the affected banks, and law enforcement personnel who attempted to thwart the robbers.
An eyewitness, identified as Sunny, who operates a Point Of Sale business near one of the targeted banks, said that the robbers initiated their onslaught by attacking the local police station.
He said, “it was sporadic gunshots that alerted people and passers 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.
The eyewitness said the robbers were throwing naira notes as they left in two Hilux vehicles and one car.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, acknowledged the robbery but indicated that she had yet to receive detailed information from officers on the ground 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.
