Robbers Attack Residents; Snatch Bag Containing Faeces

Some suspected armed robbers terrorising residents of Asaba, Ibusa and its environs in Delta State, on Wednesday snatched a cellophane bag containing human excreta and a N200 note in Okpanam community, near Asaba.

The hoodlums were said to have earlier shot a motorist who allegedly blocked their entrance into Okpanam community from the Asaba-Benin Expressway.

But in a swift reaction, security operatives attached to the Delta State Police Command gunned down two of the armed robbers at the T-Junction around the Asaba-Benin Expressway during a gun battle.

Southern City News learnt that the robbers came in a Toyota Camry without any number plate.

It was also gathered that the robbers shot sporadically into the air before they descended on a nursing mother, Mrs. Benedict Omorah, who held a black cellophane bag containing her baby’s excreta and a N200 note.

Sources said Omorah had noticed them, but tried to flee the scene before they noticed her.

They reportedly caught up with her at a corner, and at gunpoint snatched the bag from her.

Omorah said, “I was going to a private clinic with my baby when the armed men accosted me and snatched the bag containing my baby’s excreta and a N200 note. I was shocked the way they pointed the gun at me. Afterwards, they zoomed off in their car.”

Investigations by Punch's correspondent revealed that armed robbers had laid siege to Okpanam community, which was also grappling with high incidence of rape, especially of married women.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, while confirming the incident, said the gang had robbed some motorists along the expressway before moving into Okpanam community.

He said the police patrol team at the state police command ran into the robbers, which resulted in a gun battle.

He said, “Unfortunately for them, the police responded and two of the six-man gang were killed on the spot, while others fled in their car into the community where they snatched the cellophane bag containing excreta from the nursing mother.”

She said the police would do everything possible to arrest the fleeing robbers, calling on residents of the community to always report to the police any suspicious persons in the area.

- Punch