A gang of armed robbers yesterday, invaded a new generation bank near Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge, Lekki, Lagos, killing no fewer six persons, among them three policemen.
The robbers who gained access into the area in a speed boat through the lagoon were reportedly armed with sophisticated rifles opened fire on a police patrol van.
According to an eyewitness, “the six persons feared dead were three policemen hit by the robbers bullets, a woman who sells fish and banks’ staff.
The robbers numbering about 12 invaded the bank at about 5pm firing sporadically into the air.
The Guardian learnt that the robbery operation lasted over 25minutes.
Attempts to reach the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Lekki proved abortive .
Also, Commissioner of Police in-charge of Lagos State Command, Mr. Cornelius Aderanti could not be reached to confirm the number of policemen killed in the robbery.
Lagos State Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent said the police has swung into action with a view to arresting the robbers.
“The Commissioner of Police was there after the incident to ascertain what really happened. We are on top of it. But I can confirm that only three policemen were killed and no one else.
The robbers attacked First City Monument Bank, Lekki. I can assure you that we would get the perpetrators as full-scale investigation has commenced” he said.
The hoodlums were said to have escaped in their speedboats via Lekki lagoon immediately after looting the bank.
Meanwhile, leader of a notorious armed robbery gang in Ekiti State, Gbenga Mattew, popularly called Orimeji (two heads)was killed yesterday by the police when he was carrying out a robbery operation.
Mattew, who was alleged to have been terrorising Ado Ekiti in the last 12 years was said to be among inmates that escaped during a jail break in Ado Ekiti.
He, however, met his waterloo during a robbery operation in Akodi-Edemo community in Odo-Ado area of Ado Ekiti where he led others to engage police in a gun duel.
