Updated: Six killed as robbers attack bullion van in Delta

Armed robbers struck in Ubulu-Okiti, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday.
The robbers did not only cart away an undisclosed amount of money, but killed over six policemen and civilians.

The gang was said to have been terrorizing the axis in the past five years. They double-crossed a bullion van conveying billions of naira from Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State to the head office of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Asaba, the state capital.

The Eagle Online gathered that the robbers, numbering 15, ambushed the bullion van along the road in two vehicles, decked in red T-shirts, and covered their faces and heads with caps, bandana, beret and others.

The source said the robbers stormed Ubulu-Okiti in a gang style manner, standing on top of their vehicles and shooting sporadically to kill and scare away perceived enemies. According to the source: “The display by the robbers triggered fear among hundreds of travellers on the route from Edo, Lagos and Ondo States, who were on their way to Onitsha in Anambra State and other states in the East, forcing many vehicles to make a quick U-turn.

“The forceful ways in which some of the vehicles were making the U-turn resulted in their cars somersaulting into the bush. “I was driving towards Asaba when people started shouting robbers, robbers.
“As I was pulling aside, I saw policemen in their Hilux van coming to take cover and positioning themselves to face the rampaging gang.

“But it was the gang members who struck first as they opened fire on the uniformed men who laid dead instantly. “Fortunately for me, no bullet hit me or my car. “I just the saw the lifeless bodies of policemen.” Another eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Ikechukwu, said: “I escaped being killed by the hoodlums as they suddenly opened fire on policemen who had taken cover beside my car, killing four of them instantly.”

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Celestina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the robbery attack. Kalu said: “I am yet to ascertain if anybody was killed.” She however said those injured have started receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. She said: “Yes, there was a robbery incident this afternoon when armed robbers ran into our men after robbing a bullion van coming from Agbor.

“They met our men while escaping after attacking the bullion van. “I do not have record about any death as a result of the incident. “What I have is that our men were injured and they have been taken to the hospital for medical attention. “Even the civilians that were injured have been taken to the hospital as well.”

Our earlier story: Six killed as robbers attack bullion van in Delta
No fewer than six persons have been confirmed dead in an attack on a bullion van in Delta State.
The attack occurred at Ubulu-Okiti, Asaba, along the Benin-Asaba Expressway in Anioba South Local Government Area.
Among those suspected to have been killed are policemen.
The robbers carted away yet-to-be ascertained amount of money, said to be millions of Naira.