No fewer than five persons, including a policeman, were reportedly killed on Thursday evening when robbers attacked Zenith, UBA and Union Bank in Uromi, the headquarters of Esan Northeast Local Government in Edo State. the robbers caused confusion in the area, with some of the attackers using dynamites to gain entrance to the banks.
The operation, which lasted for one hour, saw residents scampering for safety with security agents caught unawares.
They reportedly escaped with huge cash from the banks.
A resident said: “The armed robbers laid siege, right from Angle 90 Junction in Uromi, through Tazona Junction, with heavy gunfire and explosives, while three commercial banks were simultaneously attacked.
“A metallic/silver Toyota Lexus 350 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was fully loaded with cash, which the armed robbers hurriedly escaped with while moving towards Ubiaza’s old road and shooting sporadically to scare passersby and prevent any challenge from security operatives.”
Edo Police spokesman Bello Kontongs, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the incident to The Nation.
He said: “That’s true sir,” without giving further details.