Crime
JUST IN: Robbers raid three banks in Benue, kill seven
Daredevil armed robbers on Friday stormed three banks in the Otukpo area of Benue State and carted away money several millions of naira.
The suspected robbers were said to have driven into the town around 3:15 p.m. and used dynamites to force the door open.
Seven people, including policemen and a former councillor transacting business in one of the affected banks, were reportedly killed by the suspected robbers who operated for more than an hour.
Otukpo is the political seat of Benue South Senatorial District comprising of Idoma and Igede ethnic groups.
An eyewitness who simply identified himself as Sunny, who operates a Point On Sales business close to one of the banks, said that the robbers first attacked the police station before proceeding to the banks.
“It was sporadic gunshots that alerted people and passers to the arrival of the suspected robbers.
“Everyone scampered for safety. What they did was first attack the police station, which is near the three banks.
“The banks affected include United Bank for Africa, UBA, Zenith Bank, and First Bank Plc.
“The robbers operated for more than an hour without resistance from security operatives, and they killed two people.
The eyewitness said the robbers were throwing naira notes as they left in two Hilux vehicles and one car.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the robbery incident but said she was yet to get details from officers in Otukpo.
Anene said, “I have not been able to speak with the DPO or any of the officers there, but I know there is an incident. I don’t want to be disturbing them, so let’s give it some time.”
Israeli security forces on Wednesday morning killed Muhammad Zakarna, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin.
Zakarna was identified as one of the terrorists involved in the deadly shooting attack in the West Bank village of al-Funduq in January.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Zakarna, a resident of Qabatiya, was among three gunmen who opened fire on civilians in al-Funduq on January 6, killing Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, an off-duty Israeli police officer, and civilians Rachel Cohen and Aliza Raiz.
The IDF said Zakarna was located in a cave near the village of Misilyah following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security agency.
During the attempted arrest by Yamam, the Israel Police’s elite counterterrorism unit, and IDF troops, a gun battle broke out between the forces and the suspects.
The military said the forces used shoulder-launched missiles during the exchange.
Zakarna and another Islamic Jihad member, Marooh Hazima, also from Qabatiya, were killed.
Hazima had previously been released from Israeli prison in the November 2023 ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and had since resumed terrorist activity, the IDF said.
A number of weapons and military gear were recovered from the scene. Several accomplices were also detained and found to be in possession of handguns.
The IDF confirmed that the other two terrorists behind the al-Funduq attack, Qutaiba al-Shalabi and Mohammed Nazal, both affiliated with Hamas — were previously killed in an Israeli operation in Qabatiya on January 23.
Panic has gripped the Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State following a fresh attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday evening.
It was gathered that several residents are feared dead, while numerous houses were set ablaze during the violent attack.
A local resident revealed that the attackers stormed the village around 6 pm and began shooting indiscriminately at anyone in sight.
“They have been shooting and killing people since 6 pm. As we speak, our house and several others have been burnt down.
We are helpless,” a distraught villager said.
At the time of this report, the exact number of casualties remains unclear as residents continue to flee for safety.
Details later……
Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
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