By Becky Usman

Armed robbers carried out a daring attack on three banks in the Otukpo area of Benue State on Friday, making away with millions of naira. The assailants, armed and fearless, arrived in the town around 3:15 p.m., using dynamites to force their way into the banks. During their hour-long operation, they tragically killed seven individuals, including policemen and a former councillor who happened to be in one of the targeted banks at the time. Eyewitnesses reported that the robbers first attacked the nearby police station before targeting the banks, causing panic among the residents. The affected banks were identified as United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, and First Bank Plc. Despite the incident, security operatives did not offer immediate resistance, allowing the robbers to escape unchallenged in two Hilux vehicles and one car, throwing naira notes as they fled. The Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but stated that detailed information from officers in Otukpo was pending.