One robber killed in attack on forex dealer

Jeff Ezemadu/Badagry

Four Nigerian robbers have attacked a currency dealer from the Republic of Benin. And one of them was shot dead by the police while he was trying to escape from the robbery scene.

The incident took place on Ibiye bridge near Agbara, in Western Nigeria, which in the past had been a black spot where robbers kill their victims and flee with their loot.

Luck ran out on them when men of the OPC in the area joined forces with men of the Nigeria Police from Morogbo Police Station to give them a hot chase.

The suspects who operated on two motorbikes were arrested opposite Church Gate company.

One of them was shot dead by the police. One was injured, one arrested while the other member of the gang escaped.

According to a member of the OPC who does not want his name mentioned, “robbers have been disturbing on this road lately. that is why we have become vigilant.”

He commended the police for their quick response.

About two weeks ago, some robbers struck at Agbara bus stop in broad daylight shooting sporadically and escaped through Atan road after dispossesing their victims of all their possessions.

And a few days ago, a very serious robbery took place at Mowo where they carted away about N58 million in a bullion van and many died including an expectant mother.

All efforts to speak with the DPO of the station proved abortive. But the Area Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adesina Soyemi, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

Another officer who took part in the operation, who spoke under anonymity, said “most of the robberry attacks on this road are based on a tip-off. They have informants. Otherwise, how did they know that the man was carrying foreign currency?”

In the past, some of the trans-border currency dealers had been victims of robbery attacks in Nigeria.