Gunmen on Friday shot a motorist and made away with an undisclosed sum of money in a daring daylight robbery along Post Office Road, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:30 a.m., took place directly opposite the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel on Murtala Mohammed Road, causing panic among residents and road users in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the four-man gang, who were masked, appeared to have trailed their victim before launching the attack. The assailants reportedly opened fire on a grey Toyota Sienna with registration number AA 693 GT, shooting from behind and deflating the vehicle’s two left tyres.
“They must have been following him. They shot at the vehicle from behind, punctured the tyres and then took the money packed inside four big cartons,” a witness told journalists.
The robbers were said to have escaped in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate after carting away the cash, believed to be meant for an undisclosed assignment.
The victim sustained a gunshot injury to his palm during the attack and was immediately rushed for medical attention.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command said the victim is currently receiving treatment, while investigations have commenced to track down the perpetrators.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Command disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, has ordered discreet investigations into the robbery and has reinforced security across the Ilorin metropolis.
“The Commissioner of Police has further strengthened security across Ilorin with enhanced deployments and increased police visibility patrols to reassure residents,” the statement read.
The police boss also warned residents against moving large sums of cash without adequate security arrangements.
“Residents are advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash and to use online transactions whenever possible. Where physical cash movement is unavoidable, trusted bank escort services should be engaged,” CP Adekimi advised.
The Command urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious movements, particularly around banks, markets and other commercial areas.
The incident has revived concerns over public safety in the state, recalling the 2018 Offa bank robbery, one of the deadliest in Nigeria’s history, during which about 30 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed.
Police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for Friday’s attack.
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