By DAYO JOHNSON
AKURE—AT least four persons were shot dead during a bank robbery that lasted about one hour in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday.

No fewer than 15 different kinds of vehicles were riddled with bullets during the operation which took place from 2pm.

Four other persons were seriously injured as a result of gun shots.

However, with the combined efforts of the Army from the 323 Army Regiment, Owena Barracks, and the police, three of the suspects were said to have been arrested while fleeing after the operation

On arrival at the bank one of the banks’ security guard Bankole Olowoyelu was gun down before they used dynamite to blow open the security door at the entrance of the bank.

It was gathered that one of those hit by stray bullets include the secretary of a local branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

About 15 of the robbers invaded the bank located at Oyemekun Road and held the state capital hostage before carting away an unspecified amount of money.

Six of the robbers raided the vault of the bank and the customers met at the bank premises while others were stationed outside the bank shooting sporadically.

Vanguard gathered that the robbers went straight to the vault and carted away large sums of money and in the process shot at every door and entrances in the bank.

They reportedly came in three different vehicles including a black Sport Utility Vehicle, a bus and one Honda car.

Police Image maker Adeniran Aremu said that three of the suspects have been arrested and are in police custody while investigation into the robbery continues