IT was a bloody day in Iseyin, Oyo State yesterday when some armed robbers, who attacked an old generation bank, went on the rampage and killed two traffic wardens.
One of the robbers was, however, unlucky as he was killed, while another was arrested.
An unlucky road side mechanic was said to have been hit by bullets from the robbers in the melee that followed the attack.
According to an eye witness, who preferred anonymity, the robbers numbering about 25 were said to have stormed the ancient town, shooting sporadically into the air to scare away people.
They started the operation at a first generation bank around 9.30 a.m. and were said to have used explosives to force the security door open, while also holding the workers hostage for about 45 minutes before they left.
The two traffic officers killed during the operation were stationed at a junction not far away from the bank and were killed immediately the operation started.
Upon leaving the bank, the robbers, investigation revealed, were making their way into other banks around when the police team arrived.
The police team, comprising officers from the area command, gave the robbers a hot chase and one of the two vehicles they were operating in was blocked while one of the robbers was killed and another wounded.
Said an eye witness: "While the robbers escaped from the bank along Igboho Road, and were heading towards the NYSC camp, some people had blocked the road with big logs of wood.
Immediately they got to the barricade, one of them got down to remove the woods and in the process, an armoured personnel carrier hit and killed him. In the process, one of them in a 'Jalamia' cassock dress jumped on a motor bike and escaped.
"When he got to Ojaagbe Market, some people identified him as one of the robbers. Accosted, he was found with two guns and so apprehended. He was then arrested and taken to the police station, where many people gathered to behold him and the dead colleague".
Another eye witness told the Nigerian Compass that owing to the disruption of the peace of the area, many traders were forced to hurriedly park their wares and run for safety just as commercial activities were paralysed.
They were said to have carted away unspecified amount of money from the bank, while other banks within the area were forced to close for businesses.
All efforts made to reach the Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Police Command, ASP Daniel Oboyi, on phone, proved abortive as his telephone number rang without being picked.
Nevertheless, the police authorities in Iseyin said that further investigations would be carried out on the robbery incident, while efforts were on to track down the other members of the gang.
these banks should have soldiers at their gate
Even if they want to steal, must they kill too?