Ondo Bank Robbery: Police Vow To Arrest Perpetrators Soon

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

Following Monday bloody bank robbery in Idoani, Ose local government area of Ondo state which claimed seven lives, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Adie has said that investigation is on the high gear to arrest those involved in the operation.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the police headquarters in Akure, Ondo state capital, the Commissioner of police said that the command would not allow such bank robbery operations to go on in the state again.

According to him, Adie emphasized that security measures would be scaled up around banks areas across the 18 local government areas of Ondo state.

Adie however said that the police will soon hold a security meeting with bank managers in order to find lasting solution to bank robbery attacks in the state.

His words, “We are just starting, the war against crimes have just begun. Anywhere they are we will get them out, we will make sure that Ondo state is safe from crimes for decent community.

“We are in the process of holding a security meeting with bank managers across all the 18 local government area of the state, we call it bankers forum.

“On our own part, we are taking steps to make sure that we reinforce security around the banks at the outskirts just as we have done in Akure, the state capital”.

The CP also said that five suspected kidnappers terrorizing the good people of Akoko axis have been arrested by his men.

The suspected kidnappers who were arrested following the abduction of their victim identified as Prince Omoghae Igbegbon had on 2nd of April, 2019 operated along Akunnu-Akoko/Auga-Akoko road in Ondo State where they allegedly disposed their victim of the sum of N185,000 before demanding for N30 million ransome for his release.

But Adie disclosed that it took the spirited efforts of his men to track the kidnappers to their hideout in Ibilo, Edo State.

His words, “On the 2nd April, 2019 at about 0715hrs, one Prince Omoghae Igbegbon ‘m’ of A3 Senior Staff Quarters, Nifor, Benin City Edo State was attacked by unknown gunmen numbering six along Akunnu Akoko/Auga Akoko Road ondo State.

“The hoodlums robbed him of cash sum of one hundred and eighty five thousand naira (185,000.00k) and also abducted him into the bush. The abductors demanded thirty million naira (30,000,000.00k) as ransom for his release.

“On the 3rd of April, 2019, a team of Police men with members of vigilante group trailed the kidnappers to their Den at Ibilo, Edo State.

“After exchange of gun fire, the kidnappers fled to unknown destination leaving behind one pump action, one double barrel and two single barrel guns. The victim escaped to a community in Ibilo where he explained his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers.

Adie added that, “the Police placed the community on red alert to watch out for any strange face. Thereafter, one Ismaila Wakili ‘m’ aged 19 years, from Niger State whom the victim later recognized as one of the kidnappers was arrested and handed over to the Police.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and mentioned other members of his gang.

“The suspect led a team of detectives to the hideouts of the hoodlums at Aduwawa in Benin City, Edo state where following members of the gang; Abdullahi Sanni ‘m’ aged 33years from Kogi State, Mohammed Abdullahi ‘m’ aged 36years from Sokoto State, Umoru Usman ‘m’ aged 25years, from Kebbi state, Sheu Usman ‘m’ aged 25years from Niger State were arrested and Ismaila Wakili identified them to be members of the kidnap gang terrorizing Akoko axis of Ondo State”.

He however maintained that effort is on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, while those already apprehended will be charge to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigation.