By Dayo Johnson

Akure—Seven armed robbers yesterday in quick succession, invaded three commercial banks in Owo area of Ondo State, killing no fewer than five persons, including the bank manager of one of the banks and his assistant.

An unconfirmed source alleged that some policemen and bank officials were injured in the shoot out with the robbers.

The driver of the bus of a Nursery Primary School in Owo and one other man were shot dead at Rainbow junction in the ancient town.

The robbery reportedly took place at about 4pm yesterday.

They succeeded in carting away an unspecified amount of money from the bank.

Vanguard learned that the Manager and his assistant were reportedly shot for not cooperating with them when they requested for the keys to the strong room of their bank.

On arrival in the town, the hoodlums reportedly shot sporadically into the air until they got to their destination.

It was gathered from unconfirmed sources that some residents of the town were hit by stray bullets.

News of the robbery caused pandemonium in the town as many residents of the town took to their heels and within a short period, the streets were deserted.

Vanguard gathered that the robbers entered the town through Owo-Abuja express road and drove to where the major commercial banks are located within the town.

Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the robbery incident when contacted last night, pointing out that policemen had been deployed to the town.

Ogodo pleaded for time to get details of the incident.

According to him “Details of the incident are still sketchy. I can only give you more information of the robbery incident when our men that were deployed to the town return and communicate with me.’’

Meanwhile, the town has been deserted, while police patrol vehicles have been positioned at major streets of the ancient town.