Commercial banks in Uromi town, the headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday evening came under attacks as some gunmen believed to be armed robbers, launched simultaneous attacks on the financial institutions.
The assailants gained access to the banks through the aid of dynamites and carted away huge cash running to millions of Naira.
A resident of the community, the hometown of the late Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih, said that the attacks on the banks were too coordinated.
The source, who pleaded anonymity, described the attacks as “too coordinated in commando style and armed robbers launched the attacks simultaneously. This is new in this town.”
The armed robbers laid siege, right from Angle 90 Junction in Uromi, through Tazona Junction, with heavy gunfire and explosives
Other sources in the town listed the banks affected by the activities of the suspected armed robbers to include FirstBank, Union Bank and Unity Bank during the operation.
A metallic/silver Toyota Lexus 350 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was fully loaded with cash, which the armed robbers hurriedly escaped with while moving towards Ubiaza’s old road and shooting sporadically to scare passersby and prevent any challenge from security operatives.
“The sporadic shots by the armed robbers caused panic in the town. The robbers came prepared. People were just running helter-skelter”, another source said.
Residents were said to be making contacts with security agencies to come to the rescue of the banks and the residents.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, PPRO Kontongs Bello, confirmed the attacks, saying”, that’s true sir”, but failed to provide further details.
No less than 15 people have reportedly lost their lives in Thursday’s attack carried out by gunmen on several banks in Uromi, Edo state..
