A gang of masked robbers unleashed terror on Otukpo, in Benue South Senatorial District, on Friday afternoon.
They used explosives and sophisticated weapons to raid several commercial banks in a bloody operation that lasted about an hour.
According to a witness, the robbers killed eight people, including police officers, vigilante members and a sitting Councillor who was doing business in one of the bank branches when the attack happened.
The witness said that the town was thrown into chaos by the loud blasts and gunshots.
The witness said that the robbers had first attacked the police station in the town and disarmed all the officers on duty before heading to the main banks in the town.
He said, “They came in two Toyota Hilux vehicles and a small car around 3pm. They went straight to Zenith Bank and blew up the bank with explosives. Then they started firing their guns everywhere.
“People were running for their lives.
The banks are near the market, so many cars and shops were damaged by the explosions and bullets.
The robbers did not spare anyone who tried to stop them. They killed some policemen and vigilante members who were guarding the banks.
“I heard that one of the victims was a Councillor who was in one of the banks to do some transactions.
The robbers took money in bags from Zenith Bank, UBA and First Bank.
They were shooting in the air as they left the banks and drove towards Makurdi on the Makurdi-Otukpo Road.
“It was like a scene from a movie.
They were shooting as they passed through the streets of Otukpo.
People were hiding and praying for their lives.”
The traditional ruler of Otukpo, Ochi Otukpo Odu, HRH Chief John Eimonye confirmed the incident and said that security forces were pursuing the robbers.
He said, “They escaped towards Makurdi but I can assure you that the security forces, including soldiers and police, are chasing them as we speak.
They will not get away with this.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene also confirmed the incident but said she was waiting for more details from the officers on ground in Otukpo.
