Armed robbers trailing a bullion van yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, killed two riot policemen attached to the vehicle and made away with millions of naira.
The van, which was headed in the direction of the Government House from a bank, was believed to be conveying money meant to be used by the state government.
The incident occurred around 1:30pm, about 30 metres away from the Police Area ‘A’ Command and some metres from the Government House.
According to an eyewitness, who identified himself as Joseph, the robbers drove in a Toyota saloon car and, “began to spread bullets to every section of the road, shooting straight towards the direction of Area ‘A’ Police Command.”
The incident, which lasted for only a few minutes, saw everybody scampering for safety.
He added: “When we first saw the two vehicles side by side, we thought they were Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), but all of a sudden, the saloon car, swerved to the right side of the bullion van and immediately opened fire at the two riot policemen, killing them instantly.”
Another source at the scene explained that it was obvious the robbers knew those who came out of the bank and the amount of money they came out with, leading them to strike with precision, and made away with the money.
He added that bankers in the state should be changed, reasoning that they were the information source for the robbers.
“Upon the high level of robbery, killing and kidnapping in the state, none of the suspects had ever been arraigned before the press. It is appalling how the assailants strike and disappear in a jiffy to avoid arrest,” another person who preferred not to be named, said.
When the Police Public Relations Officer, Onyeka Orji, was contacted on phone on the issue, he said, “I don’t have any details on that. When I confirm, I will get back to you.”
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