Banks, shops and markets were hurriedly closed in Ikare- Akoko and environs in Ondo State yesterday when news filtered in from Owo that robbers were in the town.
Sources said bank customers were turned back while officials closed shop at 10am.
Five people were killed during a bank raid in Ogbagi-Akoko, two weeks ago, which led to the closure of banks in the area.
An eyewitness said the men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, prevented the robbers from attacking an old generation bank, which is opposite the palace of the Olowo of Owo.
The eyewitness said the robbers announced their arrival by shooting into the air.
A source said: “Banks in Ikare Akoko, Irun Akoko, Oka Akoko and all other towns in Akoko stopped attending to customers at 10am because they had information that robbers were attacking banks in Owo.”
A bank official in Ikare Akoko, who pleaded for anonymity, confirmed the development.
The Assistant Director of Public Relations of the Artillery Brigade, Capt Ojo Adelegan, said there was no robbery in Owo.
He said: “When our men heard the information, they quickly moved in but on getting to the bank, they were told that a man in a vehicle shot into the air and ran away.
“There should be no panic anywhere because our men are on ground to ensure adequate protection of our people.”
Robbery scare in Ondo
