Armed robbers kill soldier during Benin heist

On Thursday, the police confirmed that a soldier lost his life during a robbery in Benin. According to SP Chidi Nwabuzor, the police spokesperson in Edo, the incident took place at the junction of First Eastern Circular and Akpakpaba Roads in the capital.

Nwabuzor explained that the soldier was fatally shot during an attack by suspected armed robbers on a patrol van in which he and two colleagues were traveling. The patrol van was providing security for another vehicle carrying bags known as “Ghana-Must-Go,” which were believed to contain cash.

The investigation to uncover the details surrounding this attack is currently underway. Nwabuzor stated, “The Edo State Police Command affirms that a soldier was unfortunately killed in Benin on Wednesday. A conscientious Nigerian citizen reported the occurrence at the local police station.”

“The hoodlums carted away `Ghana-Must-Go’ bags believed to have been loaded with cash from the van.

“Since they were in their patrol vehicle, they should be armed. The assailants acted on information, Nwabuzor added.

According to an eyewitness, the assailants, numbering four, drove in an unmarked Toyota Camry car, against traffic, as they headed toward the army vehicle.

He said two of the assailants alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers.

“The soldiers jumped out of the vehicle but one of them was hit by bullets and could not escape from the scene.

“Many people would have died if the soldiers had responded to the hail of bullets shot at them as the area is a busy spot for business activities,’’ the witness said.