The incident occurred around midnight on Sunday.
According to police authorities, some armed robbers were attempting to break open an Automated Teller Machine at the bank when policemen received a distress call.
It was learnt that on sighting the policemen in a patrol van, the robbers opened fire, killing at least three policemen on the spot.
The remaining policemen were said to have engaged the robbers in a gun duel which lasted for some minutes.
It was said that the policemen called for backup and the Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Abba Kyari, deployed his men in the area.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said four of the robbers were arrested, while the others escaped with bullet wounds.
Braide maintained that no money went missing from the ATM.
She said, “Around 2am on Sunday, Ayobo Police Division received a distress call that armed robbers were trying to break Access Bank ATM in the area. A patrol team, led by the operations officer, ASP Longnus Amuzie, responded swiftly.
“The robbers, on sighting the patrol vehicle, opened fire while the police engaged them squarely.
“Sadly, two of our officers lost their lives while the attempted robbery was forestalled. During this encounter, SARS men were also drafted to the scene and four of the robbers were later arrested as they were attempting to flee the area.
“They are currently undergoing interrogation, but some other members escaped with bullet wounds. We are appealing to members of the public to report anyone seen with bullet wounds to the nearest police station.”
ENIOLA AKINKUOTU
Such a pity for the officers who lost their lives
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the arrested people are the robbers. Did their bullets finish and they stood up in the middle of the gun battle and waved a white flag of surrender and then the rest were shot in the back while running away?
ReplyDelete