Ikere-Ekiti, a town in Ekiti State, Nigeria, witnessed a horrific bank robbery on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of four people and the injury of many others.
The robbers targeted two commercial banks, Access Bank and Wema Bank, and escaped with huge sums of money.
Newsflash Nigeria reports that the robbery began at 3:55 pm, when the armed gang arrived at the banks and started shooting indiscriminately. They used dynamite to blast the doors of the banks and looted the vaults.
The sound of the explosions and gunshots caused panic and chaos in the town, as people ran for their lives. The robbery lasted for about 45 minutes, during which the robbers faced no resistance from the security forces.
The victims of the robbery included two officers of the Amotekun security outfit and two motorcycle riders, who were caught in the crossfire. Many bank customers and staff also sustained injuries from the bullets and shrapnel.
The robbers left behind a trail of blood and destruction, as they sped away through the Igbo Ijan route of the town.
The Ekiti State Police Command confirmed the incident, but could not provide any details on the number of robbers, the amount of money stolen, or the casualties.
The police spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, was unreachable for comment. However, some police officers and other security agents were seen at the scene of the crime, trying to restore order and gather evidence.
The bank robbery has shocked and saddened the residents of Ikere-Ekiti, who are calling for justice and improved security in the town. The authorities have assured the public that they are investigating the incident and will bring the perpetrators to book.