Ekiti bank robbery: Traditional ruler suspects internal collusion

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The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adu Alagbado, has suspected internal collusion in last Wednesday’s bloody robbery of two financial institutions, resulting in the killing of three persons in the community.

The Nigerian Tribune reported that an armed gang numbering 20 stormed Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, and attacked the two financial institutions simultaneously for almost one hour, carting away an unspecified amount of money.

The monarch spoke at the weekend in his palace while receiving the delegation of the state deputy governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; Special Adviser on Internal Security, Brig Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (retd); Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Dare Ogundare; and State Commander, Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen. Olu Adewa (retd).

The delegation visited the scene of the incident and victims, as well as the traditional ruler, to sympathize with him over the deaths recorded.

Expressing grief over the casualties recorded, the Ogoga recalled that when the gunmen stormed the community, he had alerted the security agencies, including the military, but revealed the havoc had been wreaked before their arrival.

He said, “I was saddened by this event. About 17 boys were arrested a month ago by the local vigilante with assorted rifles and local guns, and we handed them over to the police for action. We have been doing our best to help the police.

“But there is a trend that these criminals always escape through Ikere-Ise-Ijan road anytime they strike here. I want the police to use this to catch some of these guys. They are enemies within.

“I have my suspicion that there was internal connivance. I don’t want Ikere Ekiti to be made the headquarters of yahoo boys and criminals. We have prayed over this incident, and I know that the criminals will be caught.”

The deputy governor, Afuye, who described the incident as horrendous and heart-rending, insisted that the government of Biodun Oyebanji and security outfits shall competently contrive ways to checkmate robbery and senseless killings of citizens by gun-wielding bandits.

She said, “I use this medium to register our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the bank robbery incident. In fact, the incident was so saddening and heart-rending.

“We appeal to the Ekiti State Police command to beef up security around financial institutions, shopping malls, and market areas that could be taken as targets by evildoers during this festive period. We appreciate your past efforts, but we want you to raise the bar of security and do more.”

In his submission, the Police Commissioner, Dare Ogundare, disclosed that his men and officers had recovered three vehicles and motorbikes used by the evildoers for the bloody operation.

“As I am talking to you, my people are combing the surrounding bushes for possible apprehension of these criminals. We learned some of them escaped into the bush. So, our people should be calm and await the outcome of our investigations,” he said.

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