Uneasy calm now reigns among residents of Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State following a brutal attack on one Ndagi Bello, a Point of Sale (POS) operator, who was ambushed by unknown assailants while attempting to deliver ₦2 million in cash.

The incident, which occurred along the Etsu Agaie Road several kilometres away from Agaie town, has reignited concerns over the safety of POS agents, particularly those operating in isolated areas.

Tribune Online gathered that the POS operator had received a phone call requesting cash delivery to a remote location prior to the incident. However, Ndagi Bello, allegedly trusting the unidentified caller, proceeded to the agreed spot, unaware that it was a trap.

Upon arrival, he was ambushed by unidentified attackers wielding a cutlass. The assailants snatched the money and inflicted deep cuts on his hands as he struggled to defend himself.

The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Agaie, where medical personnel confirmed that although the injuries were severe, they were not life-threatening.

“He is responding positively to treatment,” a medical personnel in the hospital (names withheld) said, pleading for anonymity in a brief telephone interview with our reporter during the week in Minna, the state capital.

Further checks revealed that the matter has been reported to the Agaie Police Division, which has launched an investigation with a view to uncovering the suspects.

Police authorities in the state and some community leaders are presently urging members of the public to come forward with any credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

However, when contacted, the spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the matter was still being investigated with a view to arresting the culprits by police operatives in Agaie LGA and bringing the suspected assailants to justice.

According to SP Abiodun, “We are still investigating the matter, and I can assure you that as soon as the suspected criminals are arrested, we will keep members of the public informed. After due diligence, the suspects will be arraigned in court and charged with conspiracy, culpable homicide and armed robbery.”

Meanwhile, the attack has sparked outrage among residents, who are increasingly alarmed by the growing insecurity bedevilling some small-scale business operators.

Many are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and surveillance, especially in rural areas where such attacks are becoming disturbingly frequent. (Trinune)