Bank robbers kill at least 7 in Nigeria

At least seven people were killed following a robbery attack on a commercial bank in Ondo state in southwest Nigeria, eye witnesses and local officials said on Monday.

Eye witnesses said the armed robbers stormed the bank on Monday afternoon, shooting sporadically and killing at least seven people, including bank officials, customers and a policeman.

The robbers carted away undisclosed huge amount of money before the arrival of security forces.

Femi Joseph, the state police spokesperson, who confirmed the incident to Xinhua on phone, said he could not give details of the incident.

A community leader Olatunji Oshati described the incident as too shocking. He sympathized with the families of the deceased, urging appropriate authorities to beef up security in Idoani and its environs.

The robbers, it was learnt, drove a sports utility vehicle to the bank and went straight to the banking hall after using explosive devices to blow off the security doors.

Local sources said attempts were made to alert soldiers at a nearby military check point and policemen from the vicinity, but the robbers carried out their operation successfully before their arrival.