There was palpable tension in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Friday as armed robbers bombarded a second generation bank and carted away several millions of naira.
According to eyewitnesses, the 6-man gang besieged the bank around 3.30pm and blew up the security door with explosive devise suspected to be dynamite before moving straight to the banking hall.
The sporadic gunshots by the daredevils were said to have made traders and bystanders at the nearby market to scamper for safety.
Vehicles travelling across Ado-Iyin-Aramoko-Efon road had to take a detour to prevent being caught in the web of gunshots.
A source said though the robbery lasted for about 40 minutes, the police did not show up.
The source said, ”In fact, the police disappointed us. They disappointed the people of Iyin today. The robbers robbed for over 40 minutes without any challenge.
“They came in two vehicles, shot into the air and scared the people around away. In fact, those in the nearby market left their commodities and ran for their lives.
“The police station along Igede Ekiti was not up to 500 metres while the police patrol point along Ado-Ekiti should be a kilometre away, but none of them responded for over 40 minutes the robbers operated.
“But we thank God nobody was killed, but the agony of the gunshots was too much on the locals.”
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said the police swung into action upon receiving information of the incident.
“We got a distress call from Iyin Ekiti about the robbery and we immediately dispatched our men and officers to the place.
“I want to confirm to you that the robbers are being chased as I speak with you and the determination is to effect their arrest.
“We are assuring the people that the hoodlums shall be arrested and brought to justice. Ekiti is not a safe haven for robbers and that we shall continue to sustain.”
Recall that six robbery incidents took place in the state between March 2018 and November 2019 in Ifaki-Ekiti, Ilawe-Ekiti, Igede-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti and Oye-Ekiti.