Suspected armed robbers yesterday attacked a bullion van belonging to a first generation bank along the Benin-Asaba dual carriage way and carted away over N60 million.
According to reports, the attack happened in the afternoon. The robbers ambushed the bullion van while it was heading to Agbor. Many motorists abandoned their vehicles in the middle of the road as the robbers fired gunshots in the air while the operation was ongoing.
The eight police officers that accompanied the bullion van had to run for safety after the robbers overpowered them during a shootout.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Delta state police command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, said the van was coming from Onitsha in Anambra state and was heading towards Agbor when the attack happened. The van had made stops at Awka, and Onitsha in Anambra State.
“I suspect internal connivance. This is in spite of the warning issued by the State Command for commercial banks to convey money following approved guidelines. The bullion van is not bullet proof, it is a configured bullion van. Who informed the hoodlums that they were carrying cash through that route? It is quite unfortunate that banks are still using configured bullion vans without bullet proof, subjecting their personnel and escort officers to unnecessary risk. As we speak now, investigation is on, but I cannot tell you how much cash the bullion van was carrying before the attack. What I can assure is that the command will put necessary measures in place to bring whoever is involved directly or indirectly to justice.” he said.
