Seven killed as gunmen attack banks, police station in Osun

Seven persons, including police officers and civilians, were killed in attacks by gunmen on two commercial banks and a police station in Osun state.

The gunmen numbering about 35, on Wednesday, invaded Ikire town in Irewole LGA and Apomu town in Isokan LGA around 5pm and launched the attacks on Access Bank, First Bank and Ikire divisional police station simultaneously.

The gunmen were said to have entered the two towns through Ikoyi and divided themselves into groups to launch the attacks.

They were said to have killed a police guard and shot a bank official in the leg at the bank in Apomu.

According to the police, security operatives were mobilised to the areas and there was a gun duel.

Yemisis Opatola, spokesperson of the police, said the gunmen fled into the bush during the gun duel and abandoned two of their operational vehicles.

Opatola said the gunmen did not succeed in robbing any of the banks, but seven persons were killed during the attacks.

“The armed robbers numbering about Thirty-five(35) came in about Five(5) Vehicles, Simultaneously attacked Ikire Divisional Police HQ and the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) pinned down at Ikoyi-Osun,” police spokesperson said.

“With several explosive devices and several guns firing in a bid to subdue the capacity of the police while attempting to Rob First bank Ikire and Access bank Apomu respectively.

“It is unfortunate that ASP Osho Oluranti, Inspector Lekan Olalere, Two (2) Special Constabularies; namely Oladeni Olalekan, and Oyedeji Muyideen were shot dead in the process.

“On sighting the overwhelming Policemen Comprising: Prompt response Response Unit (PRU), CP’s Surveillance team, IRT Operatives, STS, 39 PMF, JTF, along with the local Security outfits, who swiftly engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

“The robbers began to flee. While escaping, they shot sporadically, and regrettably three (3) civilians were shot namely; Toheeb Oyebola, Temilorun Adebiyi and one other, (whose identity is not yet known), all male.

“They did not succeed in robbing any of the banks.”