By Ovie Okpare
There was pandemonium on Tuesday when gunmen reportedly attacked a bullion van belonging to a new generation bank at Utulu/Ubulu-Okiti along the ever-busy Benin-Asaba expressway in Delta State.
It was gathered that the fierce battle which ensued between the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen resulted in the death of a policeman.
The bullion van was said to be ferrying money from Agbor branch of the new generation bank to its Asaba branch when they were waylaid.
Sources told our correspondent that the gunmen successfully carted away unknown amount from the bullion during the attack.
It was not clear if any of the bandits were killed but security sources claimed some of the hoodlums sustained injuries.
Sources further said that the police operatives escorting the bullion van put up a good fight against the hoodlums but were overwhelmed by the numbers of the arms-wielding bandits.
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However, the Delta State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to the statement signed by the acting State Police Public Relations, DSP Bright Edafe, said three policemen were injured during the incident but one of them later died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
The statement also confirmed that the hoodlums also carted away undisclosed amount of money from the van.
“On 23/02/2021 at about 1420hrs, Policemen on UBA Specie Escort from Agbor to Asaba were ambushed by heavily armed bandits at Utulu /Ubulu-Okiti along Benin – Asaba expressway.
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“In the ensued gun duel, three (3) Policemen were injured and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, but AP/No. 199518 Inspector Ogar Sunday was certified dead by the Doctor on duty while the remaining two were treated and discharged.
“Two of the bandits were fatally injured but were taken away by their gang members. Unspecified amount of money was reportedly carted away. However, the incident is under investigation to unravel those behind the dastardly act and to ascertain the amount that was carted away.
“Further development will be communicated. Meanwhile, manhunt for the bandits is ongoing to bring them to justice”, the statement added.
