Armed robbers strike in Ilorin, escape with large sum

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –

A four-man armed robbery gang on Friday staged a violent attack in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, firing multiple shots as they dispossessed an unsuspecting victim of several millions of naira.

The incident occurred along Murtala Muhammed Way, directly opposite the Vanguard Newspaper office.

Eyewitnesses reported that the masked gunmen arrived in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate. They were said to have trailed their victim before opening fire and seizing cash packed in four large cartons.

It was further gathered that the robbers shot repeatedly at the victim’s grey Toyota Sienna, with registration number AA 693 GT, deflating its two left tyres and forcing the driver to stop. Three masked men then alighted from the Corolla while a fourth remained at the wheel, ready for a swift escape.

The assailants reportedly fired sporadically into the air, causing traders, motorists and pedestrians to flee for safety. Stray bullets struck the victim in the arm and pierced the front and rear windshields of his vehicle.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the attackers quickly transferred the cash-filled cartons from the Toyota Sienna into their Corolla before speeding off. Speaking to newsmen, a witness lamented the absence of police personnel during and immediately after the incident.

During the commotion, Elder Stephen Oni, the Kwara State correspondent of The New Telegraph, sustained injuries while attempting to escape the gunfire.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful as calls made to her phone went unanswered.