Corper, pupil, poly students among Ebonyi robbery victims

15.02.2008

A pupil, who ran away from school because a teacher flogged him, was among the seven persons killed on Tuesday when bandits raided the Afikpo, Ebonyi, branch of a new generation bank.

Also killed were a youth corps member and four students of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the area Wednesday, gathered that the female corps member had gone to the bank to withdraw money, preparatory to today’s passing-out date.

An eyewitness, Mr. Emmanuel Eboh, said some 10 men had raided the bank around 11 a.m. in two jeeps. He said residents were now living in fear as the latest attack was the third since the branch was opened.

‘’Afikpo people are worried. This is the third time we are experiencing this,’’ he said. An official of the bank, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said four workers of the bank were helping the police in their investigation.

The official, who claimed he was from the headquarters, said the closure of the bank on Wednesday was to mourn the dead.

“Our normal service will resume on Thursday. We decided not to attend to people in sympathy with those who died during the robbery attack.’’

Police spokesman Frederick Nudam confirmed the death of seven persons, adding that investigation was going on.