Attempt by some persons suspected to be armed robbers to attack some commercial banks in Lagere Area of Ile-Ife, Osun State was on Monday foiled by residents and policemen in the area.
According to a resident, Adeolu Olagunju, the suspected robbers, who stormed the area at about 10am in a Toyota Camry car and a bus, parked near a commercial bank and started shooting into the air to scare people away.
He said policemen attached to banks in the area and members of the vigilante group within the vicinity responded with stronger force, forcing the robbers to beat a retreat.
“When the robbers arrived Lagere, they parked their vehicles a few meters away from the banks.
“You know, about seven commercial banks have branches in the area. At the time they arrived, activities in the area were just picking up. Customers were moving in and out of the banks.
“They suddenly began shooting into the air to scare people away; but policemen attached to the banks and vigilante boys responded with stronger force, shooting at the direction of the robbers.
“The robbers escaped through Akarabata area, Modakeke; and moved out through Ondo Road.
“They were given hot chase by the combined team of policemen and vigilante boys,” Olagunju said.
When contacted, the state police public relations officer (PPRO), Folasade Odoro, confirmed the incident and said that policemen were on the trail of the robbers.
“Their attempt on the banks failed. One of their vehicles was seized by our men. I have not been properly briefed. But that is the situation for now,” Odoro said.
