Pandemonium broke out in Iwo community on Thursday morning when armed robbers simultaneously attacked four banks outside the gate of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.
The incident, which started around 10.30am, left residents of the Oke-Odo area of the university along Iwo-Oluponna road, Iwo, and members of the university community running helter-skelter as the robbers fired gunshots into the air.
The banks attacked were First Bank, Skye Bank, Intercontinental Bank and Sterling Bank.
An eyewitness said the robbers, about 50, came in five buses and a car, shooting sporadically as they stormed the banks in four groups. www.naijapaymentsonline.com
The witness said, “Their leader had bullet strapped around his neck and carried a machine gun like Rambo. They blocked the road at both ends.
“They appeared to have undergone rehearsals for the operation because they were precise. I hid in a gutter and was shaking as they fired into the air.”
A police inspector, who was in the detachment sent to foil the robberies, was said to have been killed during a gun duel with the robbers. His rifle was reportedly taken away by the robbers.
In the ensuing gun battle with the police, some of the robbers were said to have sustained bullet wounds while a rifle seized from a policeman in one of the banks was recovered during the crossfire.
It was learnt that the robbers blasted the bullet-proof doors to the banks with dynamites.
No banker, student or resident was killed in the attack that lasted about 30 minutes even as the robbers fled towards Oluponna road.
Osun State Police Commissioner, Mr Solomon Olusegun, said his men recovered the rifle seized from a policeman in one of the banks, adding that a manhunt had begun for the bandits.
He said, “We are investigating and very soon, we will come up with clues and breakthrough.”
Vice-Chancellor, Bowen University, Prof Timothy Olagbenro, denied that the university had been attacked by Boko Haram.
He said, “Bowen University was not attacked by armed robbers. The university remains safe and conducive to learning.”
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