By Damilare Adeleye
IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, has in strong terms condemned the recent armed bank robbery in Otukpo, Benue State, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives of both Police Officers and innocent civilians.
The Police boss described incident as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold
This is even as IGP Egbetokun extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by the “senseless act of violence”.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement released on Saturday, said the IGP noted that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape.
He also vowed that the assailants who orchestrated the brazen act of criminality would not go unpunished.
ACP Adejobi added that the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. “The IGP has ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command, and surrounding states to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for this atrocity, as a follow up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday,” the statement read.
Similarly, the IGP has urged all Commands and Formations to be on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria, saying that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes.
“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” the statement added.