25th June, 2014
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Armed robbers on Tuesday attacked a bullion van conveying money from Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Asaba, killing both policemen and civilians in the process.
The robbers who attacked the bullion van convoy at Ubulu-Okiti along the Benin-Asaba expressway, carted away undisclosed sum of money from the van.
The robbers numbering about 15, and riding in two vehicles and decked in red T-shirts and head covers including face caps, bandana, beret, were said to have stormed Ubulu-Okiti in a commando style, standing on top of their vehicles and shooting sporadically.
According to an eyewitness who did not want his name mentioned, the brazen display by the hoodlums evoked fear among travellers on the route, and in desperate bid to make U-turn, some of the vehicles somersaulted, resulting in fatalities.
A motorist said he escaped death by the whiskers as the gunmen opened fire on policemen who had taken cover beside his car, killing four of them instantly.
“I was driving towards Asaba when people started shouting robbers, robbers. As I was pulling aside, I saw policemen in their Toyota Hilux van coming to take cover and confront the rampaging gang.
“But it was the gang members who struck first as they opened fire on the policemen who laid dead instantly. Fortunately for me, no bullet hit me or my car. I just the saw the lifeless bodies of the policemen,” he narrated.
The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, confirmed the robbery attack.
She, however, said she was not aware if anybody was killed in the attack.
“Yes, there was a robbery incident this afternoon (yesterday) when armed robbers ran into our men after robbing a bullion van coming from Agbor. They met our men while escaping after attacking the bullion van.
“I do not have record about any death as a result of the incident. What I have is that our men were injured and they have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. Even the civilians that were injured have been taken to the hospital as well,” she said, adding that those injured were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.