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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed that four people were killed during the robbery incident that took place at Idi Ape area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday.
Recall that dare devil armed robbers on Thursday afternoon attacked a bullion van in broad day light, killed two police officers and carted away undisclosed amount of money.
Giving update on the incident on Thursday evening, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, SP Adewale Osifeso, in a statement said the armed robbers engaged the police officers escorting the bullion van and in the process, an undisclosed amount of money was carted away.
He said the masked armed robbers, about 10 in number, trailed and targeted the bullion van before attacking it around traffic light in Idi Ape area.
“In swift response, the Police equally neutralized one of the armed robbers while some were believed to have escaped with multiple gunshot injuries.
“Consequently, a civilian onlooker was hit by stray bullet and died at the scene while two Police officers later died in the hospital as a result of gunshot injuries sustained. Four (4) others including Two (2) Police officers are responding to treatment.
“The citizenry are hereby enjoined not to panic as efforts are in top gear to track down and apprehend the criminal gang, the Oyo State Police Command seeks the cooperation of the good people of the State in providing necessary information to help maintain the relative peace and tranquility being enjoyed in the State. As always, if you see something, say something,” the statement added.
During a visit to the scene of the robbery incident earlier in the day, the Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, said the state had been locked down with a view to preventing the robbers from fleeing the state.
She said the police in connection with other security agencies in the state were working assiduously to arrest the robbers.
“First of all, I have to say it is an unfortunate incident. We just finished a retreat and I am coming from the airport directly here.
“It was a coordinated attack, which we are still trying to find out what actually happened, because they trailed the bullion van from where it got the money from and where it want to dispatched it. We could see the shot they made.
“I can’t definitely say now what actually went on. All the exit and entry points into Oyo State have all been blocked. So, we are trying our possible best to get them to know what actually happened.
“I can tell you for sure that two of my men were shot on the leg. Let’s just do our investigation and then we will be able to tell you and give you more details,” she said.