The Ogun State Police Command says its men have successfully repelled an armed robbery gang that invaded the popular phone market in Okelewo area of Abeokuta, the state capital.

Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that one phone trader who was shot by the robbers later died in the hospital, while one of the suspects was arrested.

The suspected armed robbery gang numbering about eight allegedly stormed the market popularly known as “TARMARC” at about 5:30 p.m, shooting sporadically and carting away expensive phones.

“A distress call was quickly made to the police at Ibara divisional headquarters, consequence upon which the Divisional Police Officer Ibara division, Chief Superintendent of Police , Abayomi Adeniji quickly mobilized his anti-robbery and surveillance teams in collaboration with men of Amotekun corps and moved to the scene” the police imagemaker stated.

Oyeyemi further narrated that on sighting the policemen, the robbers engaged them in a gun battle, but due to the superior fire power of the policemen, the criminals took to their heels.

“They were hotly chased and with the assistance of the market men, one of the robbers later identified as Adeniji Sakiru 32 years old was apprehended.”

“Unfortunately, one Dayo Bankole, a trader in the market, who was shot by the robbers gave up the ghost while receiving treatment at General Hospital Ijaye Abeokuta,” the police spokesman said.

According to the police, items recovered from the robbers include one double barrel locally made gun and assorted criminal charms.

The outgoing Commissioner of Police in the state now an Assistant Inspector General of police, Frank Mba, has directed that the suspect be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments for discreet investigation.

Mr Mba also ordered a massive manhunt for the remaining members of the gang with the view to bringing them to justice, just as he appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals, to inform the police if anybody with gunshot injury is seen in their area. (Channels TV)

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