IGP Egbetokun Condemns Otukpo Bank Robbery, Orders Additional Operational, Investigative, Assets, Resources To State

By Akeem Oduyoye

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly condemned the recent bloody bank robbery in Otukpo Benue State, that resulted in the tragic loss of lives of police officers and innocent civilians.

Egbetokun, in a statement he signed on Saturday, said the act of violence is an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.

The police boss also ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Police Command, and surrounding states to assist in swiftly apprehending the criminals responsible for the atrocity.

The IGP, who noted that two suspects were gunned down by security operatives while attempting to escape, averred that the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

Egbetokun expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims affected by the violence while urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing information that may aid the investigation and arrest of the suspects.

Meanwhile the hunt for the daredevil armed robbers who attacked four banks at Otukpo town, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Friday is yielding fruit as two of the suspects were killed by security operatives.

At least  seven persons, including three policemen, died in the Otukpo incident.

The Benue State Police Command, in a statement by spokesperson, SP Catherine Anekwe, said, “The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu, and other police teams in the area engaged them in a gun duel but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.

“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilizing the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.

“The robbers, who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road, engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process.

“Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest and are being chased by the police.

“The DPO, who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach, and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital.

“Other persons who sustained gunshot injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is ongoing at the moment, ” the statement added.