Bloody Day : Robbers raid 4 banks, kill customers, security operatives in Benue

In Otukpo, a town in Benue State, at least eight people were slain yesterday when armed bandits robbed four banks.

According to Daily Trust’s reporting, four people were killed, including three police officers, a vigilante, and an Otukpo Ward 2 councillor who was conducting business at one of the impacted institutions.

One anonymous witness claimed that the armed gang had first attacked the Police Station across the street from the banks, where they had apparently disarmed all the operatives on duty, before going on to the banks itself.

The witness added that Stanbic Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, and First Bank were the four institutions hit.

Residents, however, said that three vehicles—two Hilux SUVs and a smaller car—arrived to pull out the over an hour-long heist.

According to the locals, the armed robbers attacked the banks at precisely 3:30 on Friday afternoon and continued their work until almost 4:50.

They are stealing both the First Bank and the Zenith Bank at the same time,” a resident who requested anonymity previously informed our correspondent. At 3:30, they attacked the bank.

As we speak, two vigilantes have been killed. You can hear the sound of gunfire coming from all directions. There’s a police station right across the street. This is the first time anything like this has happened to us.

Okopi Elijah, another local, said he was stuck in his office for hours after it had closed due to the event.

According to Elijah, the armed robbers ran amok, looting and emptying the banks of their valuables.

He warned that the Otukpo main road was blocked in both directions since it was impossible to predict which way the robbers would go.

It’s 5:10 now and I’ve been done for the day since 4:00, yet I can’t leave the office. Many of us are seeking safety in this building.

SP Catherine Anene, the PPRO (Police Public Relations Officer), has confirmed the event but says she is still waiting for more information.

“I know there is an incident, but I haven’t been able to speak with the DPO or any of the police there. “Let’s give it some time; I don’t want to be the one to disturb them,” Anene suggested.