Robbers on rampage in Kogi •Kill 10, attack three banks

Police in Kogi State appear helpless as armed robbers had literally taken over the state, creating fears among law-abiding citizens even as 10 people were shot dead yesterday during an operation in three banks in Okene stealing millions of Naira.

Only on Monday the robbers bombed a police station in Aiyetoro Gbede and a first generation bank carting away arms and ammunition from the police station with no arrest so far made.

Yesterday’s incident, according to an eye-witness, happened around 3. p.m when the robbers numbering about 20, invaded the town with about six exotic cars wielding dangerous weapons including AK 47 and guitar boy riffle shooting sporadically to scare away residents and passers-by.
The robbers were said to have operated unchallenged in three banks carting away unspecified sum running into millions of naira.

According to the source the robbers came with exotic cars ranging from Toyota JP, Mecedez and Honda Accord.
The operation which was said to have lasted for more than one hours jolted the police and other security agencies as everybody in the town took cover including the policemen who were said to have deserted their stations

The account said the town was turned into a theatre of war as the sound of gunshots almost deafened the ears..
Travellers coming from the south and heading to the northern part of the country, according to the account, had to make ‘U’ -turn to avoid the robbers, some of who were said to have positioned themselves on the highway to forestall any hitch.

Market women and traders around the areas had to close shops, while other commercial banks and police stations were also hurriedly closed down as a result of the rampaging robbers .
Many people were said have sustained injuries while the bodies of those killed especially bank customers and staff were said to have littered the area.