From Attah Ede Makurdi
Several people, ncluding police officers and a councilor have been killed in what is believed to be a coordinated robbery attack on commercial banks in Otukpo, Otukpo local government area of Benue state.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the premises of those banks at about 3 pm on Friday and started shooting sporadically.
It was further learnt that seven persons who were also transacting business in one of the affected banks were killed.
The robbers, according to an eye witness, first attacked the Otukpo Police Divisional Office and disarmed all the policemen on duty before carrying out the robbery, shooting indicriminately.
The banks affected include United Bank for Africa, UBA, Zenith Bank , Stanbic Banks and First Bank Plc.
The incident caused huge stir in the town as residents, particularly traders were seen running helter skelter for dear life.
An eye witness identified as Mr. Sunday Ogomola said the robbers used two hilux vehicles and one other smaller car to carry out the robbery which lasted about one hour.
“They first robbed Zenith bank and there after, moved to the other banks
“The gunmen operated for several hours without security intervention. They later moved towards Otukpo- Taruku/ Makurdi”.
” As I talk to you, the number of causalities is yet unknown, while other surviving victims including Police personnel who sustained gun wounds have been evacuated to Otukpo Teaching Hospital”, Ogomola said.
The Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene Sewuese confirmed the incident.
“Yes, there was such incident in Otukpo today. I will get back to you”, she said.
