Police Confirms DPO, 3 Other Officers Shot Dead In Benue Banks’ Robbery

Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the killing of the Otukpo Divisional Police Officer alongside three other police officers by heavily armed gunmen that robbed Access bank, UBA, FirstBank, Zenith and Stanbic Bank on Friday evening, leaving more people including bank customers dead.

The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police Force in a press release signed and made available few hours ago by SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the command public relations officer; indicated that the DPO alongside three other officers were confirmed dead in the hospital after the DPO sustained gunshot injury on his stomach during gun battle in a failed attempt to prevent the robbery.

A recent video posted online showed moment the gunmen invaded the Otukpo police station and were seen in the video coming out of the police station gradually, with one of the gunmen carrying a loaded bag as they entered the white coloured Hilux vehicle the gunmen used for the robbery operation.

The statement also added that security operatives had contact with the gunmen around Otukpo-Taraku road

The statement further stated that two of the gunmen were shot dead during the gun battle.

The police press release entitled: “OTUKPO BANK ROBBERY; POLICE ACTION” reads in quote:

“On 20 October 2023 at about 16:15 hours, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA and Stanbic bank Otukpo simultaneously.

“The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP John Adikwu and other Police teams in the area engaged them in a gun dwell but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.

“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilizing the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.

“The robbers who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process. Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are been chased by the police.

“The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital. Other persons who sustained gunshot injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is ongoing at the moment”.