Ekiti: Bank robbers abandon vehicles, flee with cash

Armed robbers that last Friday robbed a bank in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush with the stolen money.

The state police command confirmed the development and recovered three vehicles abandoned by the robbery gang.

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Mobayo, gave this information in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu.

He said the three vehicles were recovered with some Improvised Explosive Devices, some wraps of Indian hemp, alcoholic drinks and two cell phones.

The command said the robbers, numbering 10 and heavily armed, stormed the Iyin-Ekiti branch of Wema Bank at about 3.55pm.

According to the statement, the robbers came in a Volkswagen Golf car, marked GED 906 AA; one Acura MDX Jeep, marked LSR 327 CD, and a Toyota Camry car with registration number GED 106 ER.

They reportedly overpowered the policemen on guard at the bank before gaining access into the banking hall.

It said although no casualty was recorded, the gang went away with an undisclosed amount.

It said, “A swift reinforcement from the police to the scene forced the robbers retreat with the three vehicles. But the police operatives gave the armed robbers a hot chase, exchanged fire with them during which they abandoned the three vehicles and took to their heels into the forest.”

The statement added, “Serious effort is ongoing to ensure the arrest of the suspects.”

It also said, “The operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command which comprises the PMF, SARS, Safer Highway as well as the local Vigilante group, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), are currently combing the bush for the possible arrest of the suspects.

“The command implores all the good people of Ekiti State to be vigilant and report to the nearest police station any suspicious movements or suspected persons or groups of persons they see in their communities.”