No fewer than 10 people were cut down in coordinated attacks across three banks in Benue by gunmen who stormed the affected commercial banks in Otukpo, Benue State on Friday.
The gunmen also carted away unspecified millions of naira as they held the banks, staffers, customers and security personnel in a reign of terror with sporadic gunshot to scare and bully them and others around the area.
Among the victims of the attacks were three customers including a councilor of Otukpo Ward 2 who was transacting business in one of the affected banks at the time, as well as three policemen and four bank officials.
The commercial banks in the town are located within area as the police divisional office.
A witness identified as Obande Adukwu, said the robbers came in two vehicles and stormed the banks at about 3pm.
“They positioned themselves in front of the banks and immediately opened fire on the armed policemen, killing them on the spot and taking away their weapons.
Another witness, who did not the name mentioned said the gunmen first attacked the Police Station opposite the banks and disarmed the operatives on duty before forcing their way into the commercial banks
The gunmen, who were said to number more than 15, reportedly gained access to the vaults of the banks and carted away millions of naira in bags.
Adukwu said it was like a scene in a movie for people that watched from distance as the gunmen tore bank doors with bullets.
He said the robbers operated for about two hours without challenge, moving cash from the banks into their getaway vehicles.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Kate Aneene, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the attacks.
She, however, said the command was yet to get a report from the Divisional Police Officer at Otukpo.
