No less than five people were killed as some armed robbers attacked four commercial banks in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government of Edo State on Thursday, February 24, 2022.
This was confirmed by some eyewitnesses who spoke with Nairametrics over the telephone, as they described the event as a coordinated attack.
According to them, some policemen were among the casualties of the unfortunate incident.
What eyewitnesses said about the robbery
An eyewitness who preferred anonymity alleged that the armed robbers carted away unspecified huge sums of money from the affected banks.
He said, “The attacks were well-coordinated, as the suspected armed robbers wasted no time during their operation.
“It was done in a commando-style, and the armed robbers launched the attacks simultaneously. We have not heard or seen such attacks in this town before now.”
He added that the incident has created panic in the community, as some of the residents, who leave around the banks have abandoned their homes, squatting with friends and families.
The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Office, Kontongs Bello, confirmed the attacks, saying, “That’s true”, but did not provide further details.
Back story
Insecurity has been a cankerworm that has eaten deep into Nigeria’s textile, as a similar bank robbery was recorded in December 2021 in Egbe and Odo Ere communities in Yagba West Local Council of Kogi State.
However, 12 members of the robbery gang who attacked banks and security formations killing four civilians, a police officer and a bank guard were arrested. The arrests came through combined efforts of security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes.
During the robbery operation, sound of gunshots and fire grenades resonated nonstop for an hour, as residents scampered to safety and turned Egbe, the commercial hub of Yagba West Local Council into a ghost town.
