POLICE GUNNED A SUSPECTED BANK ROBBER IN OWERRI
The Police in Imo state have shot dead a member of a suspected criminal gang that attacked a commercial bank located on Wetheral road Owerri.
According to eyewitnesses, the hoodlums who were more than 10 in number had arrived at the bank around 3PM with three Sports Utility Vehicles and started shooting sporadically.
It was gathered that the suspects had trailed a bank customer who was said to be in possession of huge amount of money to the bank and immediately dispossessed him of his money.
It is not yet clear if other customers were robbed during the incident as those who were caught up by the attack scampered for safety.
In an interview, the Police Public Relations Officer Imo State Command Mr. Andrew Enwerem said a special anti robbery squad led by the State Commissioner of Police Mr. Taiwo Lakanu had stormed the bank following a distress call from the Bank.
He said the Police had engaged 4- man robbery gang it met at the scene on a gun duel which led to the killing of one of the suspects.
According to Mr. Enwerem, 3 police officers sustained bullet injuries and are now receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
The PPRO explained that the remaining 3 members of the gang later escaped with bullet wounds.
Mr. Enwerem noted that one AK 47 rifle, 100 cartridges and 3 magazines loaded with bullets were allegedly recovered from the hoodlums.
He said the police were on the trail of the fleeing suspects and appealed to residents of the state to assist the command through useful information to capture them.
CHINAZO ILECHUKWU