Residents of Bodija and Osuntokun area of Ibadan were thrown into panic on Monday morning after suspected gunmen ambushed a man believed to have just withdrawn a large sum of money from a bank, dispossessing him of the cash and leaving a police officer severely injured.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim, who drove a metallic grey Nissan Primera with license plate number EPE 901 PS, had been trailed by the assailants from one of the banks where he made the withdrawal.
The gunmen reportedly intercepted his vehicle around Osuntokun, under Ibadan North Local Government, blocking his path before striking swiftly.
“The unsuspecting victim was forcibly dispossessed of a substantial amount of money by the gunmen. A police officer, who happened to be on routine patrol, was caught in the middle of the raid and got badly injured during the exchange,” An eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the robbery occurred at about 8:00 a.m. along Secretariat Road, Agodi.
He explained, “A bank depositor traveling in a metallic grey Nissan Primera with license plate number EPE 901 PS was tracked and forcibly robbed of a substantial, yet-to-be-ascertained amount of cash.
“Initial investigations indicate that an officer of the Oyo State Police Command sustained severe injuries during a confrontation that ensued when his patrol team engaged the suspects in an attempt to prevent further attacks.”
Osifeso added that while there were no reported fatalities, the injured officer was receiving urgent medical care at a secure facility.
The police spokesperson urged residents to assist by providing credible and timely information that could help apprehend the culprits.
“We assure the public that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be shared as soon as possible,” he stated.