Robbers invade bank, destroy ATM in Imo

By CHIDI NKWOPARA
OWERRI—Imo State Police Command has confirmed invasion of a first generation commercial bank (name withheld) situated along Mbari Street, Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri, by armed robbers last Thursday.

Confirming the incident in an interview, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Samuel Oodee, said the robbers destroyed the Automated Teller Machine, ATM, and carted away unspecified amount of cash.

Although Oodee affirmed that a team of soldiers and policemen quickly stormed the area, following distress calls from the citizenry, the hoodlums still managed to escape with their loot.

Continuing, the PPRO said the security team gave the fleeing robbers a hot chase and they quickly abandoned their Bayelsa State registered Jeep in traffic gridlock along Okigwe Road, Owerri.

“The police recovered the abandoned vehicle and when it was carefully searched; one dynamite was found in it. We have commenced  investigation into the matter. No arrests have been made”, Oodee said.

The PPRO said four persons wounded in the robbery operation were immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for treatment, adding that Governor Rochas Okorocha, the Commissioner of Police and  Commander 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze had since visited the scene of crime.