At least three persons sustained varying degrees of injuries following a brazen armed robbery attack in the Mokola area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday morning.
The incident, which occurred around 11:30 a.m., sent shockwaves through the bustling commercial district as armed men stormed a local provision shop, attacking unsuspecting customers and carting away an undisclosed amount of money.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the victims were about to enter the store to purchase goods for resale when the armed assailants struck, firing sporadically and causing panic among traders and passersby.
“The whole thing happened so fast. We just heard gunshots and people started running. The robbers went straight into the shop and attacked the customers at the entrance,” a witness recounted.
The injured victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel confirmed that while the injuries were serious, no fatalities were recorded as of press time.
In a brief statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the attack and assured that investigations are underway.
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“Good evening Sir. Investigation has commenced. Updates would be communicated accordingly, please,” Osifeso said in response to an enquiry about the incident.
Security operatives have since cordoned off the crime scene, and police patrols in the area have reportedly been intensified to prevent further attacks.
Residents and traders in Mokola have expressed concern over what they describe as a rising trend of daylight robbery in the city, calling on the state government and security agencies to step up surveillance and enforcement in commercial hotspots.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the injured victims had not been disclosed, and no arrests had been made. The police have urged anyone with useful information to come forward to assist in their investigation.