President of the Senate and former Kwara Governor, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has described Thursday’s coordinated bank robberies and attack on unsuspecting citizens that led to several casualties as a despicable act committed by cruel individuals.
“Make no mistake, there will never be any valid grounds or rationale behind such violence that has left many families without their loved ones — and one more community in grief and shock.
“Last night, I spoke to Governor Ahmed to express my condolence on the lives that were lost in the attack, and we both agree that no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators of this heinous act are caught and brought to justice. It is also important that we all work together to ensure that this does not reoccur. We all must co-operate at various levels to increase the security of our communities.
“I pray that the souls of those that we lost yesterday are granted places amongst the righteous ones. My prayers and support will continue to be extended to all the affected families, and we will remain relentless until everyone who planned or carried out this attack faces the full wrath of the law. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a gang of armed robbers onThursday raidedsome commercial banksin Offa, Kwara, killing some policemen and residents as well asmaking away with cash.
The heavily armed hoodlums had attacked the Owode Police Station in the metropolis where they killed the policemen and some complainants before they raided the banks.
Sources said some customers who were transacting businesses in the banks were also killed in the incident which was said to have lasted one hour.
The robbers, according to eye witnesses, entered the town at about 4:45 pm and operated till about 5:40 pm unchallenged after blocking the Ilorin and Osogbo entrances into the town.
They were said to have later made their escape through Igosun, a nearby community.
Among those said to have been killed by the armed robbers were a police officer who was expected to retire in the next few months and a pregnant police woman.
The bandits numbering at least 15, according to sources, came in different vehicles while they stationed themselves at strategic locations within the town while the operation lasted.
They were also said to have snatched some motorcycles to aid their escape.
NAN further learnt that the injured were conveyed to the General Hospital, Offa, for treatment while the corpses of the deceased have been evacuated.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, saying victims included policemen and other persons.
He said details of the incident would be made public on completion of investigation.
NAN reports that Offa in the past had witnessed serial attacks on banks leading to the closure of some branches in the highly commercial community which houses the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
