In Benue State, police forces successfully thwarted a group of armed robbers who had previously attacked a police station and claimed the lives of officers in Otukpo. The criminals had previously targeted multiple banks, including First Bank, United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, Access, and Stanbic Bank, making off with an undisclosed sum of money.
According to Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, security personnel intercepted the robbers on the Otukpo-Taraku road, resulting in the demise of two of the assailants. The statement conveyed that on the 20th of October, 2023, at approximately 16:15, armed robbers simultaneously invaded the mentioned banks in Otukpo.
The Divisional Police Officer of Otukpo, CSP. John Adikwu, along with other police teams, engaged the robbers in a gunfire exchange, yet were unable to prevent the bank assaults. Additional law enforcement units, in collaboration with other security agencies, were swiftly dispatched to Otukpo to stabilize the situation and thwart the robbers’ escape.
During an ensuing confrontation along the Otukpo-Taraku road, officers engaged the robbers in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of two of the criminals. Remaining members of the gang abandoned their vehicles and fled into the forest, prompting a pursuit by the police.
Regrettably, the DPO sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen, and three other police officers lost their lives. Those injured in the bank attacks were promptly transported to the hospital for treatment. Presently, investigations into the incident are underway.
