10 persons feared killed in failed Bank robbery attempt

Armed men yesterday evening invaded Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo state and attempted to rob two banks in the town, Unity and Keystone Banks and in the process, not less than 10 persons including a policeman were feared killed.

Also among those reportedly killed in the police station were two detainees who were said to have been arrested yesterday morning for minor offences; one of them was reportedly arrested for incomplete vehicle particulars.

As at the time of this report, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor said information about the attack was still sketchy and would release more details later.

The Daily Times gathered that the armed men had first attacked the police station which is about 1.2 kilometre from the banks apparently to demobilise the only means of neutralising their act where they burnt the official vehicle of the newly posted Area Commander and killed a policeman. Three other persons near the police station were also reportedly killed.

At least four other persons were reportedly killed within the premises of the two banks apparently in anger as it was gathered that the armed men could not gain access to the vault of the banks.

One of the youths in the community, Ofei Obende said they tried to resist the robbers but were overpowered by their firepower.

He said that the police in the banks had exchange of gunfire which he said was responsible for the death of the three unidentifiable bodies.

He noted that unknown person was caught in the cross fire and could help the police in their investigation.

The Palace Secretary to the paramount ruler of the community, Otaru of Igarra, Elder Folorunsho Dania confirmed the incident on phone ‎.