Armed robbers, police clash in A’Ibom

Kunle Olayeni, Uyo - 20.01.2008

Armed robbers on Friday clashed with security operatives after raiding a branch of Ecobank Plc in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, carting away an undisclosed amount of money.

Sunday Tribune gathered that the robbers who struck at about 11 a.m also attacked the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) situated in the same local government area.

They shot sporadically into the air prompting several members of staff and customers to scamper for safety. The robbers, numbering 15, according to eye witness account, also attempted to rob a branch of First Bank Plc, which was situated directly in front of the Ecobank.

Their mission, however, suffered a setback due to the presence of heavily armed policemen at the First Bank. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mike Zuokumor, confirmed the robbery incident during an interview with newsmen in Uyo. The bandits were said to have quickly moved into the premises of the academy and escaped with a speed boat belonging to the institution.