By Onome Oghenetega
Heavily armed gunmen have reportedly attacked a bullion van belonging to one of the new generational banks while traveling to Asaba, the Delta State capital, from Warri.
The incident which led to a state of pandemonium at Otor-Owhe community along the ever-busy Ughelli/Asaba expressway in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state on Thursday morning.
It was gathered that the gunmen who drove in two Sienna vehicles ambushed the bullion van and the police escort team amidst sporadic shooting.
It was alleged that the hoodlums were said to have carted away unspecified amount of money from the bullion van.
Armed security men escorting the bullion were said to have engaged the hoodlums as both sides were claimed to have sustained injuries during exchange of gun power.
It was further that the money reportedly carted away were ‘condemned’ money being transported to the Asaba branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement late Thursday night.
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The Command, in a statement signed by its spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, also confirmed that a policeman and driver of the bullion van sustained injuries in the incident.
The statement was, however, silent as to whether the gunmen made away with money alleged to be carried by van.
“On 27/01/2022 at about 1045hrs, Policemen on UBA Specie Escort from Warri to Asaba were ambushed by heavily armed hoodlums numbering about ten in two Sienna Vehicles along Ughelli/Ozoro Expressway, Otor-Owhe while they were on their way to transport cash from Asaba to Warri.
“In the ensued gun duel, one Policeman and the driver of the bullion van were injured. However, no live was lost but some of the hoodlums were fatally injured and were taken away by their gang members while the Bullion Van was recovered and taken to the Police station.
“Further development will be communicated. Meanwhile, the incident is currently being investigated while manhunt for the hoodlums is ongoing”, the statement read.
