By Evelyn Usman

LAGOS—Pandemonium broke out yesterday at Omitoro, Ikorodu area of Lagos, following sporadic gunshots from a 10-man robbery gang.

The robbers, said to have stormed the bank in two vehicles, reportedly announced their presence with volleys of gunshots, sending fear-stricken passers-by and motorists scampering for safety.

File Photo

They were said to have gained entrance into the banking hall, but could not locate the bank’s vault as the staff with the vault’s keys reportedly went into hiding.

Customers were reportedly ordered to lie down as the operation continued. It was, however, not clear how much they carted away, as they were said to have hurried out of the bank, following the arrival of teams of policemen.

While that was ongoing, another gang attempted to break into the Ijede branch of a second generation bank. But the operation was reportedly foiled.

Eyewitnesses said the robbers could be the fleeing ones from the earlier bank robbery.

Eyewitnesses further told Vanguard that some people sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ensuing stampede.

Contacted, a staff of one of the affected banks, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the robbery operation but was quick to say: “It was a failed attempt as they did not gain entrance into the banking hall.”

Spokesman of Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu, who also confirmed the attack, said no life was lost, adding that policemen repelled the robbers.

No arrest, according to him, was made. He added that investigation was ongoing.