Robbers invaded the rustic town of Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Thursday and killed four persons in simultaneous attacks that included two banks.
It was learnt that policemen at the scene fled from the firepower of the armed robbers who laid siege to the entire town for about an hour.
The victims of the attacks were the manager and cashier of a commercial bank, a security man at another commercial bank and the night guard to the town’s monarch, Oba Adedapo Popoola.
Our correspondent gathered that the security man was to get married in two weeks’ time before he met his untimely death.
The Oore Otun, Oba Popoola, said the attack was akin to a war against the community, with gunshots and explosives deployed all over the town.
“It happened around 6pm on Thursday evening. I was relaxing with my chiefs in front of the palace when we heard what first sounded like some fireworks and we dismissed it as some of the children’s antics as a result of the festive period.
“But later, we heard heavier and more shocking sounds that resembled gunshots and explosives. That was when we realised that it was no child’s play.
“Gunshots and explosives were all over the place and heard from all corners. I couldn’t situate the incident, as we ruminated whether it was robbery, Boko Haram’s attack or some kind of war happening.
“We later learnt that the robbers mounted their men at the four entrances into the town: the roundabout at Orimope Road; outside Moba LGA secretariat; in front of my palace and in front of the Technical College outside the town on the way to Kwara.
“The sporadic gunshots and explosives lasted for about an hour before the dust settled. And by that time, four people had died.
“They manager and cashier of a bank, a security man at another bank and my night guard who had just resumed for night duty and wanted to close the gate.”
The king said he quickly contacted Governor Ayodele Fayose, who immediately mobilised security agencies to the town, but the robbers had left before their arrival.
When contacted, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the report.
He said the Police had deposited the remains of the victims at Usi-Ekiti General Hospital, while investigation had begun.
