Two cops, a pregnant woman and a commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider have lost their lives after armed robbers in military uniform, raided about six banks located within Agbara Industrial Estate Area of Ogun State.
At the end of the operation, which lasted for about three hours, two policemen, a pregnant woman and a commercial motorcyclist were found dead.
Several commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators were among the people that sustained various degrees of bullet injuries.
The robbers who arrived Agbara waterside in two speed boats also escaped with their loots along the same route.
Before escaping through the waterways, the robbers allegedly set ablaze their two vehicles, one SUV and a bus.
Based on what was gathered, the robbers attacked six banks along Bank Road, Agbara, using dynamites to break into the volts.
It was further gathered that the hoodlums, among who were young ladies held staff of the banks hostage at gun point while others were busy ransacking drawers and safe in the different offices.
The robbers took over the two entrances and exit routes of the road, while a Police Armoured Personnel Carrier station in the area was riddled with bullets.
“They emptied all cash collected into two Ghana Must Go bag. When they left, we escaped through the back door,” a staff of one the affected banks stated.
As stated by a commercial motorcyclist, the robbers came through the waterway behind Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in Ijanikin as early as 6am.
They were stated to have hijacked two vehicles right inside Agbara market and drove directly towards Bank Road.
It was also gathered that on arrival, the gang who were dressed in military camouflage mounted guard on the road, pretending to be security men on official duty.
A witness, John Obianno said: “Interestingly, all security personnel at the Agbara check point comprising of Customs, Immigration and the police went under cover when the sporadic shooting started.
“First to be attacked was the Armoured Personal Carrier (APC). All the five policemen attached to it took to their heels. One of them fell as a bullet ripped through his legs. There was serious panic in the entire area as early as 7am. It was like a war zone as people ran for cover. Many motorists abandoned their vehicles while those who were courageous enough to go with their vehicles collided with each others in the melee.
“Most of the commercial vehicles drivers who parked at the Agbara motor park took to their heels while the operation lasted,” a source stated.
It was learnt that policemen from Agbara division battled the robbers but took to their heels when the hoodlums were gaining upper hands.
As at 9am, a combined team of soldiers from Ibereko and Ojo had been deployed to assist the police in the fight against the robbers.
Another witness, Magus Nwanne, stated the robbers were more equipped than the police. “They were with machine guns, GMP rifle, explosives and fully kitted with bullet proof vests and military uniforms.”
A Police Source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “I was among the five cops manning the APC. We were taken unaware as we thought the hoodlums were soldiers. Before we could realise that they were armed robbers, they have started raining our vehicle with bullets. it was when we noticed that they were equipped with sophisticated weapons such as explosives and rocket launchers, that we decided to beat a retreat. My brother, it was like war situation.”
A senior Police officer stated the Ogun State police command called for assistance of their counterparts in Lagos who really responded. “The military and other agencies also assisted otherwise, the robbers would have succeeded in robbing the whole banks. I think the robbers succeeded in looting two banks”
As stated by the officer, investigation has revealed that the robbers were oil thieves who security operative had chased out from their enclave in Arepo, Ogun State.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, stressed that the robbery took place in Ogun State and not Lagos.
Mr Owoseni said, “policemen from Lagos Command responded when we got distress calls. We condoned off all waterways in the area. We assisted with aerial patrol covering the entire routes so that the robbers will not escape.
“We have mounted surveillance at the bridge at Obadore, Agbara, and Ishashi while our men are still combing the area.
“We have helicopter patrolling the area. Presently they are being held up along the waters. They have retreated and they are now confused. I believe they will be arrested” he stated.