Over seven civilians including police operative, a councilor and vigilante members were brutally killed during a robbery attack in Otukpo area of Benue State.
The suspected robbers were said to have stormed the Otukpo town at about 3:10 pm and operated for more than one hour.
The councilor was said to be transacting business in one of the affected banks where he met his death.
According to reports, the robbers first attacked the Otukpo Police State and disarmed all the policemen before carrying out the robbery, shooting indiscriminately.
The banks affected include UBA, Zenith Bank and First Bank Plc.
The location of the banks, which is very close to the major market in Otukpo, caused a huge stir in the town as traders were seen running for dear life.
An eyewitness said the robbers used two hilux vehicles and one other smaller car to carry out the robbery.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the robbery incident, but said she was yet to get details from officers in Otukpo.
Anene said, “I have not been able to speak with the DPO or any of the officers there but I know there is an incident. I don’t want to be disturbing them so let’s give it sometime.”
