“It is true that there was an attempted bank robbery in Ikire/Apomu on Wednesday, June 2, at about 6:10 p.m.
“The armed robbers, numbering about 35 came in about five vehicles and simultaneously attacked Ikire Divisional Police headquarters and the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) pinned down at Ikoyi, Osun with several explosive devices.
“They also opened several gun fires in a bid to subdue the capacity of the police while attempting to rob First Bank at Ikire and Access Bank at Apomu, respectively.
“On sighting the overwhelming policemen, comprising the Prompt Response Unit (PRU), CP’s Surveillance Team, IRT Operatives, STS, 39 PMF, JTF, along with the local security outfits, who swiftly engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“While escaping, they shot sporadically, and regrettably four policemen and three civilians were shot.
“They did not, however, succeed in robbing any of the banks.
“The assailants fled to the bush with gunshot wounds, abandoning two of the operational vehicles they came with.
“All the corpses of those killed have been deposited at the Oluyoro Catholic Hospital morgue, Apomu.
“Effort is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Opalola said.