Abia Bullion van attack: Banker and Armed Robber Killed

Image: Naija Times

On Tuesday, a bank cash officer and an armed robber were reportedly shot dead in a bullion van attack in Abia State, according to state police authorities.

The incident occurred at about 1:13 pm at Ntigha junction along the Port Harcourt – Enugu Highway in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.

According to the confirmation from Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, in a statement.

He said the bullion van was conveying cash from a commercial bank in Aba to Umuahia and was escorted by six police officers when armed robbers ambushed it.

The operatives providing security for the vehicle are “attached to 28 PMF Umuahia and Counter Terrorist Unit Base,” Ogbonna stated.

The armed robbers were said to have opened fire on the van while the driver swerved into the bush. The gunmen later shot and killed the banker as the driver fled the scene.

The police escorts swiftly responded to the attack by engaging the armed robbers in a shootout which led to the death of one of the criminals while his AK 47 rifle and three magazines strapped together were recovered.

Ogbonna further revealed that three of the police officers were injured and taken to a hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the banker and the armed robber were deposited at a morgue.

He appealed to residents and proprietors of medical facilities to report anyone seen or presented with suspected gunshot injuries to the police or other security agencies.

Read the complete statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

BULLION VAN ATTACK

One neutralized AK 47 Rifle with ammunition recovered.

Today 26th July, 2022 at about 1313 hours along Port Harcourt/Enugu highway by Ntigha junction in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the State, Six Mobile Policemen attached to 28 PMF Umuahia and Counter Terrorist Unit base 4 Aba while escorting a Bullion Van conveying cash from one New Generation Commercial Banks in Aba to Umuahia suddenly ran into a blockade/ambush mounted by armed robbers.

The armed robbers opened fire at the Bullion Van which forced its driver to swerve into the bush where the Bank Cash Officer was shot dead by the hoodlums while the driver escaped.

During a gun duel that ensued between the Police escorts and the hoodlums, one of the hoodlums was neutralized and his AK 47 rifle with ammunition laden in three magazines strapped together was recovered.

However, three of the escort men sustained gun shot injuries and were subsequently rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile the corpses of the deceased Bank Staff and that of the neutralized hoodlum were deposited at the morgue for preservation while the investigation lasts.

The Police Command therefore, enjoins the public and proprietors of medical facilities in and outside the State to report any person (s) seen or presented with suspected gun shot injuries to the Police or any other Security Agency, please.

SP GEOFFREY OGBONNA

POLICE PRO ABIA STATE COMMAND.

Source

#Bullion Van Attack

#Insecurity