By
Nicholas Nkemdeme Ogun State CommissionerRobbers yesterday invaded a first generation bank at Ijebu-Igbo and a micro-finance bank at Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State.
It was gathered that about 30 gunmen arrived at the first generation bank around 11am in three vehicles - a coaster bus, a space bus and a Toyota Sienna.
Sources said the hoodlums destroyed the bank’s security doors using explosives and shot into the air indiscriminately.
They said the bank manager led the robbers to the vault at gun point.
It was gathered that the hoodlums held the workers and customers hostage, while they looted the vault and the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
They stole an unspecified amount of money.
On their way out of Ijebu-Igbo, the robbers were challenged by policemen.
Although they escaped, they abandoned a Mazda space bus.
In Ijebu-Mushin, a six-man gang attacked the micro-finance bank.
It was learnt that the robbers could not get into the strong room.
A source said: “The robbers came into our bank some minutes ago and we were asked to lie face down. They stole some money but I cannot say specifically how much. A lot of customers came to make deposits today and most of them were caught in the incident.
“The robbers tried to gain entrance into our strong room, but luck ran out of them.”
Other banks hurriedly closed for the day.
Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in both instances, the police confronted the robbers.
Adejobi said while a blue Mazda space bus was abandoned by the robbers in Ijebu-Igbo, the Ijebu-Mushin gang abandoned a Sienna bus, when the police engaged them in a gun duel.
He said Commissioner of Police Nicholas Nkemdeme has visited the scenes and deployed more mobile policemen in the area.
Adejobi said: “The policemen would be assisted by a routine convoy patrol of between three and six vehicles, not only to repel future robberies but also to assure bankers that the state is safe.”
Also yesterday, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun blamed the tenuous security in the state on the refusal of banks and individuals to subscribe to the State Government sponsored Security Alert System (SAS).
Balogun spoke with reporters at the Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The Governor Kayode Fayemi administration procured the SAS early last year to aid the police in fighting crime.
Balogun said the police have appealled to banks and other corporate bodies to subscribe to the central alert system domiciled with the police to no avail.
Explaining how the SAS works, he said when subscribers call in times of distress, their location and details would be displayed automatically by the central system.
Balogun said: “The government reduced the subscription charges to attract more participation, but people are not responding.
“The subscription process is simple. It involves filling a form, which would contain the subscriber’s name, house number and other necessary details.”
The CP appealed to banks to jointly buy two Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for the command, to complement the two donated by the state and the one provided by the Force Headquarters.
He said: “If all banks in Ekiti can assist the police with two more APCs, we will be able to cover the state.”
Balogun said the Force Headquarters gave the command five high-tech patrol motor bikes to complement surveillance.
A prominent pastor in Ado-Ekiti, who allegedly heads a syndicate that specialises in stealing and selling stolen cars, has been arrested. Fourteen others were also arrested for various offences.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Ududo Adat said the pastor was arrested following a tip-off and the confession of the mechanic, who was assigned to repair the stolen vehicles.
However, the ACP did not disclose the identity of the pastor and other members of the syndicate.
SOURCE: The Nation, 23 February 2012. http://www.thenationonlineng.net
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