Armed Robbers Storm Lagos Bank,Kill Two Policemen

Two policemen were allegedly killed by robbers yesterday in a dawn raid of a new-generation bank in Ifako, a Lagos suburb.

One of the slain policemen was simply identified as Inspector Nafiu.

The hoodlums, numbering about 16, were said to have gained access into the bank by scaling the fence which separates it and a Conoil fuel filling station. They came in two vehicles.

Some of them laid ambush for the policemen outside the bank, while others attempted to break into the bank.

Sources said the robbers tied all the security men on duty while attempting to break into the banking hall.

When they could not break into the hall, they tried to dismantle the bank’s ATM machine with an equipment.

Sources said it was in the process that some policemen from Area ‘G’ Command, Ogba, on routine patrol, stumbled on them.

On sighting the policemen, the robbers opened fire, killing one of them instantly and injuring another.

The police fought back, leading to the killing of another policeman. Four of the robbers were reportedly injured.

Residents said they took cover in their homes to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

Two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and some policemen from the Area ‘G’ Command, moved to the scene, but the robbers had fled, leaving the slain.

Lagos command spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), however, said only one policeman was killed.

The injured policeman, she said, was in hospital.

Braide, who said a gas cylinder and some drilling equipment were recovered, advised the public and hospitals in Lagos to alert the police if anybody with bullet wounds comes to them