Seven persons, including four security operatives and four others were on Wednesday evening, killed in armed robbery attacks in Ikire and Apomu towns of Osun state.
The gunmen, who stormed the towns in an attempt to attack the banks there, reportedly stormed the area in about five vehicles and attacked the police station in Ikire, as well as an armoured vehicle at Ikoyi-Osun.
The spokesperson of Osun Police Command, Ms Opalola Olawoyin confirmed the incident in a statement.
“Gentlemen of the press, it is true that there was attempted bank robbery in Ikire/Apomu today, Wednesday 2nd June 2021 at about 1810hours (6.10 pm).
“The armed robbers numbering about 35 came in about five vehicles, simultaneously attacked Ikire Divisional Police HQ and the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) pinned down at Ikoyi-Osun with several explosive devices and several gun firing in a bid to subdue the capacity of the police while attempting to rob First Bank Ikire and Access Bank Apomu respectively,” she stated.
According to her, though no bank was attacked, two police officers and two special constables – Osho Oluranti – an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Lekan Olalere – an Inspector; Oladeni Olalekan and Oyedeji Muyideen and three locals were killed thereafter.
She added that a combined team of operatives of the Prompt Response Unit (PRU), CP’s Surveillance team, IRT, STS, 39 PMF, JTF, as well as local security outfits were mobilise to the scene.
“The reinforcement team swiftly engaged the robbers in a fierce gun duel, forcing the assailants to flee.
“While escaping, they shot sporadically and regrettably, three civilians were shot namely; Toheeb Oyebola, Temilorun Adebiyi, and one other (whose identity is not yet known), all males,” she said.
She said the bodies of the slain security personnel and locals had been deposited at a morgue in Apomu and effort was ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
