TheCable

The Ikere Development Forum (IDF), a socio-economic think-tank group, has condemned the bank robbery that took place in Ikere, Ekiti state.

On Wednesday, three people were killed when armed robbers attacked two banks in the town.

The forum, in a statement by Femi Ekundayo, its national president, also condemned “the slow response of security agencies” especially the police in responding to the dastardly act.

“The Forum notes with sadness how the State and the Federal government have left a whole local government without any functional police station since arsonists burnt down the two divisional police stations in the town during the ENDSARS protest in 2020,” the statement reads.

“We are sad that our beloved community was violently attacked by armed robbers on a day that has been tagged a Black Wednesday.

“This is the second time the peaceful community will be attacked by daredevil robbers who came to Rob commercial banks.

“Similar violent attack on banks happened in 2011 and left the town without banking activities for months.

“This new episode will cause social and economic set back for our people who will have to bear the pain of travelling to neighbouring communities for their banking transactions.”

The forum called on President Bola Tinubu, Biodun Oyebanji, the state governor, and Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, to immediately restore full security to Ikere community.

The forum also urged them to fast track the rebuilding of the damaged police stations and ensure that the perpetrators of the criminal act are brought to justice.

“We call on the relevant security agencies to be alert to their responsibilities and ensure the protection of lives and property of our people in Ikere,” the forum added.

“We urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, vigilant and support the security agencies in their bid to put an end to such occurrence in our community.”