2 Fired Dead, As Robbers Attack Bank In Ekiti

A police officer was reportedly shot dead on Tuesday as a gang of armed robbers attacked an old generation bank in Ilawe-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

 A bank worker was also reportedly shot in the arm by the bandits in the operation that lasted for over one hour. The robbers, according to an eyewitness invaded the bank which was located around the Alawe’s Palace at about 2.45 pm and operated freely without counter attack from security agencies. The bank’s security door was blasted with dynamite by the robbers before gaining entrance. A blue colour Toyota Camry car parked within the vicinity of the bank was also blew up by dynamite detonated by the robbery gang as they made away with unspecified amount of money. Confirming the incident in a telephone chat, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, expressed shock at the incident. He said the robbers turned his domain to a warfront by firing dynamite and grenade which caused panic and paralyzed business, traffic and other social activities. Oba Alabi said: “It was a terrible experience, my palace is very close to the bank. It was terrifying, it was like a warfront. They kept detonating grenades during the attack. “I was in the palace during the robbery, the attack happened less than a hour after a bullion van delivered cash to the bank. “We have been in touch with the governor and the state police command.” Efforts to get police reaction on robbery was not successful as of the time of filing this report.