Robbers cart away N56.7m in Rivers – Kill 2 policemen, wound 2 others

Posted by admin Rivers, State News Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Not less than N56.7 million has been carted away by armed robbers who attacked a van belonging to a company in Port Harcourt. The robbers also killed a policeman in the van and wounded the driver and the company’s accountant.

It was gathered that the money was being conveyed to a commercial bank for lodgment when the hoodlums struck somewhere at the Elekahia axis of the Rivers State capital.
The robbers were said to have opened fire on the van killing the mobile police sergeant on the spot while the other two occupants were wounded.

Sources stated that amidst the confusion that ensued as people nearby scampered for safety, the armed robbers carted away the bags containing the money and escaped.
The other two occupants in the van, who were wounded were later rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention and the body of the felled policeman deposited in the mortuary.

Confirming the robbery, police spokesperson in the state, Dr. Rita Inoma Abbey (SP) said the money belonged to a company that sells GSM handsets and re-charge cards. Dr. Abbey told Daily Sun that although the late policeman was attached to the company, he had closed for the day but later joined the van when they met him on the way.

She confirmed that the robbers also went away with the policeman’s rifle and ammunition. The police imagemaker who said the wounded company staff were responding to treatment, assured that a full scale investigation and manhunt for the fleeing robbers were in progress.

Recently, gunmen suspected to be robbers ambushed vehicles conveying pilgrims to the Port Harcourt International Airport and killed the three police escorts.wp_posts