4 die in Bank robbery attack in Lagos

Four persons, including a yet-to-be identified soldier, have been killed in a robbery attack on Skye Bank branch at Alaba Market, Lagos State.

The incident, which took place last Tuesday, was said to have occurred around 6pm, while money was being transferred from the branch, which serves as a cash point, to a major branch in the area.

An eyewitness told, on the condition of anonymity, that the robbers arrived at the scene on a motorcycle.

He said, “There were two men on the bike and they both wore masks. The motorcycle rider, however did not wear mask.

“As of the time the robbers came, money was being moved from the cash point to the other branch. The money was packed in a Ghana-must-go bag. A soldier was waiting to accompany the person that would carry the bags as was the custom.

“The employee of the bank carried the bag on his head; the soldier was with him. They had not gone far when the robbers arrived on their motorcycle.”

The robbers allegedly shot at the soldier and the Skye bank employee; both men were said to have died on the spot.

After seizing the bag, the robbers allegedly fired more shots sporadically. In the ensuing panic, a recharge card seller and another person were hit.

“The recharge card seller had already run for cover, but she ran back to her table to collect her cards. She was hit by a stray bullet while running to her hiding place.

“We later learned that she died while being rushed to the hospital. Another man, who was also hit by a stray bullet, died on the spot. Several more persons were injured too,” the source said.

The robbers allegedly escaped with the bag, containing an undisclosed sum of money.

When the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide was contacted, she said, I will get back to you.”

There was no response from the bank’s spokesperson, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, as he neither picked the calls made to his telephone nor replied to our correspondent’s text massage.


Punch