Many people were feared killed in coordinated armed robbery attacks on some commercial banks in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday.
The suspected armed robbers were also said to have carted away unspecified huge sums of money from the affected banks and killed people yet-to-be accounted for.
According to TheNation, the robbers launched dynamites to gain entrance to the banks.
The ability of the masterminds behind the #Uromi Bank robbery to deploy the use of explosives in the operation to force open bank security doors & successfully manoeuvre robbery of 5 banks simultaneously is an indication that the perpetrators are most likely a major criminal gang pic.twitter.com/SQmpMUw9ri
— EONS INTELLIGENCE (@eonsintelligenc) February 25, 2022
Unconfirmed reports say banks affected by the activities of the suspected armed robbers to include Zenith Bank, First Bank, Unity Bank and the United Bank for Africa.
5 banks said to be robbed simultaneously in Uromi Edie state today. UBA, Zenith bank, First bank, Fidelity bank and Union Bank all suspected to have been robbed. Photos showing the after effect of the robbery as seen this evening. pic.twitter.com/1sesMyzyTZ
— OSE SWIFT🇨🇮 (@dastreetking) February 24, 2022
The operation, which reportedly lasted for one hour, saw residents scampering for safety with security agents caught unawares.
Videos of the robbers escaping the banks with several bags full of cash have emerged on social media.
A resident said;
The armed robbers laid siege, right from Angle 90 Junction in Uromi, through Tazona Junction, with heavy gunfire and explosives, while three commercial banks were simultaneously attacked.
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.
Meanwhile, a resident of the community, the hometown of a late Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Tony Anenih, told newsmen 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 novel in this town”.
Residents were said to have made contact with security agencies to come to the rescue of the banks and the residents. However, policemen were not seen at the
“@DrJokeAnderson: Nigerian soldier hid behind walls, as armed robbers hit Uromi, Edo yesterday, watching in horror as citizens lose their lives, never minding the massive robbery.#WorldWarIII pic.twitter.com/1lxvXspZGP
— GIDI (@Gidi_Traffic) February 25, 2022
Edo Police spokesman, Bello Kontongs, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the incident but didn’t give further details.
VIEWERS’ DISCRETION HIGHLY ADVISED: See some graphic videos and photos from the scene of the incident below;
Suspected Mobile Police officer shot down in the course of the robbery in Uromi today pic.twitter.com/uhB1dF1mwt
— OSE SWIFT🇨🇮 (@dastreetking) February 24, 2022
A robbery incident in Uromi, Edo State lasted for up to 1hour 30 minutes and security operatives are nowhere to be found. The level of insecurity in this country is nearing end of time. My prayers and thoughts are with the families of those that lost their lives and businesses. pic.twitter.com/CgEB2MlfeH
— Adekunle Sulaimon (@su_providence) February 25, 2022
So many banks in my home town, Uromi in Nigeria was robbed today by daredevil armed robbers. No security presence for almost 2 hours that the robbery lasted. It is so sad that lives and properties are not protected in that country. Reason people keep getting tired of the system😭 pic.twitter.com/VGZaf4Ro3r
— Hetybabe (@hetybabe) February 24, 2022
Chilling Video from Uromi bank robbery in Edo state today pic.twitter.com/3TtjqD9Ldf
— FAMES 🇳🇬 🇬🇧 (@eronsjohnson) February 24, 2022
Bank robbery in Uromi, Edo state as robbers completely raid Zenith bank pic.twitter.com/vkJIf1bCrf
— OSE SWIFT🇨🇮 (@dastreetking) February 24, 2022
21 counted dead as so far as aftermath of today’s banks robbery in Uromi, Edo State. Bodies are said to have been deposited at St Camillius Hospital’s Mortuary.
Warning ⚠️: photos contain graphic contents which you may find unpleasant. Viewer’s discretion is advised 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/jdmUPQSBwg
— OSE SWIFT🇨🇮 (@dastreetking) February 24, 2022
