TheCable

Armed robbers struck at Ilawe-Ekiti in Ekiti south west local government area of Ekiti state on Tuesday, killing a policeman and a bank official.

According to NAN, the raid on the bank happened three weeks after a similar incident was recorded at a first generation bank in Ifaki Ekiti. A police man was killed in the attack.

A bank official and some other persons were said to have sustained injuries in Tuesday’s incident which lasted about one hour.

A witness reportedly said the robbers stormed the bank, which is located close to the Alawe’s Palace, around 3pm and operated unhindered, shooting sporadically into the air.

They reportedly blew up the bank’s security door with dynamite before gaining entrance and carting away an unspecified amount of money.

The dynamite, it was learnt, also blew up a Toyota Camry car parked within the vicinity of the bank.

Adebanji Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, confirmed the incident and expressed shock.

The traditional ruler said the robbers had turned his domain to a “war front, ’’ deploying dynamites and grenade which caused panic in the community.

“It was a terrible experience, my palace is very close to the bank. It was terrifying, it was like a war front. They kept detonating grenades during the attack,” he said.

“I was in the palace during the robbery, the attack happened less than a hour after a bullion van delivered cash to the bank. We have been in touch with the governor and the state police command over the attack.”

Robbers have been attacking banks in towns across the country.

Last month, robbers attacked many banks in Offa, a town in Kwara state, killings at least 20 persons and carting away huge amount of money.