By Gift Habib
The Police in Ekiti has recovered three vehicles abandoned by an armed robbery gang that invaded Wema Bank in Iyin-Ekiti on Friday.
The cars are Volkswagen Golf, marked GED 906 AA; Acura MDX Jeep marked LSR 327 CD; and Toyota Camry marked GED 106 ER.
According to the statement signed by Mr Sunday Abutu, its Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Mobayo said that the three vehicles were recovered with some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), some raps of Indian hemp, alcoholic drinks and two cell phones.
The command said the robbers, numbering ten and heavily armed, stormed the Iyin-Ekiti branch of WEMA Bank at about 3:55pm. The gang members overpowered the policemen on guard at the bank due to their large number before gaining entrance into the banking hall.
It disclosed that “a swift reinforcement from the Police to the scene forced the robbers retreat with the three vehicles. But the Police Operatives gave the armed robbers a hot chase, exchanged fire with them during which they abandoned the three vehicles and took to their heels into the forest.
“The Operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command which comprises the PMF, SARS, SAFER HIGHWAY as well as the local Vigilante group, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), are currently combing the bush for the possible arrest of the suspects.
“The command implores all the good people of Ekiti State to be vigilant and report to the nearest Police Station any suspicious movements or suspected persons or groups of persons they see in their Communities or call Police Control Room on phone Number 08062335577,” the statement added.
