26th May, 2010
A 20-man robbery gang has raided three banks in Ihiala, Anambra State, Nigeria and carted away an unspecified amount of money.
The robbers reportedly used dynamite to blow up the doors of the new generation banks to enable them gain access into the banks.
The robbery attack, which took place on Monday, was partially foiled by a combined team of the army, police and the local vigilance service.
Five of the robbers were arrested while other members of the gang escaped with their loot, though they left some cash in their vehicle while escaping.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident and said it was being investigated. He declined to disclose if there were casualties. However, unofficial reports have it that two persons were killed during the bank raid.
Sources informed P.M.NEWS that seven AK 47 assault rifles, a rocket propelled grenade, general purpose machine gun and four vehicles were recovered from the robbers. The vehicles include a Toyota Hilux pick-up van, a Pathfinder, a Mitsubishi L300 bus and another SUV.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the robbers came in from Port Harcourt and lodged in Orlu in Imo State. From there they embarked on the operation at Ihiala.
The local vigilance service confronted the gangsters before reinforcement by the police and soldiers routed them.
The fleeing robbers reportedly acted like Robin Hood by throwing around some of the cash they stole at the Nkwo-Ogbe market in Ihiala.
A massive manhunt has begun to track them down.
—Chika Chiedozie/Awka