At least, nine persons have been confirmed dead in a robbery attack that took place at a First Bank Plc branch in Isanlu, Kogi state, on Thursday.
The casualties mostly made up of eight police officers, were killed as the robbery gang engaged in a gun battle with the security operatives.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the dead officers includes the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the town, two female police officers and five male police officers.
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NAN reported that the DPO, the two female police officers as well as four other male police officers were attacked and killed at the Police Station, while another male police officer was shot dead at the promises of the bank.
NAN also reported that the civilian victim was only killed as a stray bullet hit him.
Further reports indicates that the robbery gang first invaded the Isanlu Police Station and killed every officer on duty at about 1pm on Thursday.
NAN sources say that the Police Station was totally wrecked by the robbery gang. The robbers also set free all detainees at the detention facility of the Isanlu Police station.
The gang then moved on the town’s First Bank branch and killed the police officer on duty before carting away with a yet to be confirmed sum of money.
According Mr Segun Thomas, an eyewitness, the whole operation lasted for about an hour.
Segun narrated that the robbery gang arrived with two vehicles, a bus and a small car which was also what they escaped the robbery scene with.
The car is believed to have been snatched from its owner before the operation as it was found abandoned around the Kizito College in Isanlu.
While confirming the robbery, the spokesperson of the Kogi Police Command, Mr. William Aya, stated that the invasion did occur but the number of casualties could be more than the announced figure.
Mr William further revealed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police has been assigned to take ascertain the situation and also take charge of further investigation.