•Tasks CP, surrounding states to fish out perpetrators
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Saturday, October 21, condemned the bloodbath by armed bank robbers carried out in five banks in Otukpo, Benue State, on Friday, October 20.
The IGP also described the violent act as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.
It will be recalled that the bank robbery resulted in the tragic loss of lives of police officers and innocent civilians.
In a statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by this senseless act of violence.
IGP Egbetokun disclosed that two of the armed robbery suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape,
“The assailants who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality had in murdered sleep, as their actions have shaken the Otukpo community to its core,” the IGP said.
He assured the public that every resource and effort would be dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
Also, in response to the incident, the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
To achieve this, the IGP ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command, and directed surrounding state commands to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for the atrocity committed.
This, he said, would be a follow up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday.
The FPRO said that the IGP had put all commands and formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria, more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the ember month challenges which are often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes.
“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects.
“Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” the FPRO quoted the IGP to have said.
The police chief reiterated the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.
