By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
Suspected armed robbers, on Thursday, reportedly ambushed and successfully robbed a bullion van belonging to United Bank of Africa (UBA) in Delta State.
The armed-to-teeth gunmen were said to have carted away a huge amount of money from the van and dissolved into the woods.
The incident happened along Otor-Owhe on the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
A witness said the fierce-looking robbers rained bullets on the bullion van with holes from pellets visible on the windscreen of the vehicle which was believed to be conveying cash.
The source said the police escort, on sighting the daredevils in their number, allegedly fled for dear lives into the bush, giving the gunmen a leeway to evacuate the money in the van.
But the police would not buy into this narrative as, after some hours of going back and forth, it came up with a contrary narrative.
The Delta Police Command, through its image-maker, DSP Bright Edafe, initially said no cash was made away with during the incident, and in another breadth, was quoted as saying the money moved from the van were “condemned currencies.”
However coming up with perhaps a more well-thoughtout reaction to the embarrassing incident, DSP Edafe, late Thursday, said the bullion was on its way to transport cash when it was waylaid.
According to him, “on 27/01/2022 at about 1045hrs, Policemen on UBA Specie Escort from Warri to Asaba were ambushed by heavily armed hoodlums numbering about 10 in two Seinna Vehicles along Ughelli/Ozoro Expressway, Otor-Owhe while they were on their way to transport cash from Asaba to Warri.
“In the ensued gun duel, one Policeman and the driver of the bullion van were injured.
“However, no life was lost, but some of the hoodlums were fatally injured and were taken away by their gang members while the Bullion Van was recovered and taken to the Police station.
“Further development will be communicated. Meanwhile, the incident is currently being investigated while manhunt for the hoodlums is ongoing.”
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