Robbers attack two banks, kill manager, 3 others

According to reports, when the robbers stormed the town of Otun-Ekiti, policemen in the area fled to safety.

Those who lost their lives in the attack were the manager and cashier of a commercial bank, a security man at another commercial bank and the night guard to the town’s monarch, Oba Adedapo Popoola.

It was gathered that the security man was preparing for his wedding due in two weeks.

Narrating the ordeal, Oba Popoola said the robbers shut down the town for one hour, with sound of gunshots and explosives renting the air.

He said: "It happened around 6pm on Thursday evening. I was relaxing with my chiefs in front of the palace when we heard what first sounded like some fireworks and we dismissed it as some of the children’s antics as a result of the festive period.

"But later, we heard heavier and more shocking sounds that resembled gunshots and explosives. That was when we realised that it was no child’s play.

"Gunshots and explosives were all over the place and heard from all corners. I couldn’t situate the incident, as we ruminated whether it was robbery, Boko Haram’s attack or some kind of war happening.

"We later learnt that the robbers mounted their men at the four entrances into the town: the roundabout at Orimope Road; outside Moba LGA secretariat; in front of my palace and in front of the Technical College outside the town on the way to Kwara.

"The sporadic gunshots and explosives lasted for about an hour before the dust settled. And by that time, four people had died.

"They manager and cashier of a bank, a security man at another bank and my night guard who had just resumed for night duty and wanted to close the gate."

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The monarch said while the siege was on, he contacted the state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who immediately mobilised security agencies to the town.

He said by the time the security team arrived, the robbers had escaped.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Alberto Adeyemi, also confirmed the incident.