A four-man armed robbery gang on Friday caused fear in Ilorin, Kwara State, after shooting a motorist and escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash believed to have been packed inside several cartons.
The attack, which occurred directly opposite the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel office, triggered panic as the masked gunmen fired several shots before fleeing in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants appeared to have trailed their target, who was driving a grey Toyota Sienna with registration number AA 693 GT, before opening fire on the vehicle.
“They must have followed him. They shot at his vehicle from behind and deflated his two left tyres before taking the money packed in four big cartons,” a witness said.
The victim, who was said to be conveying cash for an undisclosed purpose, sustained a gunshot injury to his palm during the incident.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the robbery took place at about 11:30am.
She added that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, had ordered a discreet investigation into the incident and reinforced security across Ilorin.
“The CP has further strengthened security across the Ilorin metropolis with increased police visibility patrols to reassure residents,” the statement read.
Adekimi also cautioned residents against the movement of large sums of cash.
“Residents should avoid carrying large sums of cash. Use online transactions whenever possible.
“If physical cash movement is necessary, use trusted bank escort services,” he advised.
The police further urged residents to promptly report any suspicious activities, particularly around financial institutions, markets or busy commercial areas.
“Report suspicious movements or persons around banks or financial locations immediately,” the command added.
Kwara State previously experienced a major armed robbery incident in 2018 during the Offa bank robbery, when gunmen attacked several banks and killed about 30 people, including police officers and civilians, making it one of Nigeria’s deadliest bank heists.
