Kwara: Armed robbers cart away millions in daylight attack

A coordinated armed robbery in broad daylight sent panic through Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Friday as a four-man gang dispossessed a businessman of several millions of naira in a swift and brazen attack.

The incident occurred along Muritala Muhammed Way, directly opposite the Correspondents’ Chapel office, and lasted only a few minutes.

Witnesses said the assailants, who arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate, had trailed their target before executing the operation.

According to accounts at the scene, the gunmen pulled up beside a grey Toyota Sienna, marked AA 693 GT, and immediately opened fire.

Bullets shattered the Sienna’s windscreen and pierced its body, while stray shots struck the driver on the arm. Two tyres were deflated, forcing him to stop abruptly.

Three masked men reportedly jumped out of the Corolla while the driver remained behind the wheel with the engine running. The gang fired repeatedly into the air, sending traders, pedestrians, and residents fleeing in panic.

Witnesses said the robbers quickly offloaded cartons believed to be filled with cash from the Sienna into their getaway vehicle.

The operation, described by onlookers as “fearless and clinical,” was completed before any security personnel arrived.

“We just heard gunshots. Before we knew what was happening, they had packed the money and zoomed off. There was no single security presence. Everybody ran for their lives,” one witness said.

In the ensuing chaos, Elder Stephen Oni, Kwara State correspondent of the New Telegraph, sustained injuries while attempting to escape.

Speaking to Daily Trust, he said: “While we were trying to escape and avoid being hit by stray bullets, I didn’t know I was close to a wall. I hit my head on it as I tried to run. It was a very frightening experience.”

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, saying it occurred at about 11:30 a.m.

“The driver of the Sienna vehicle was attacked by armed men, leaving him with a gunshot injury on the palm, and an undisclosed amount of money was carted away. He is currently receiving medical treatment,” she said.

Adeyemi added that the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has advised residents to avoid moving large sums of cash and to use online transactions whenever possible.

“In cases where cash movement is unavoidable, he advised using trusted bank escort services. Residents should also report suspicious movements or persons around banks or financial locations immediately,” the statement added.

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