Armed robbers shoot soldier to death in Benin heist

A soldier was killed in a robbery attack in Benin on Wednesday, the police confirmed on Thursday.

A spokesman of the police in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, told newsmen that the robbery took place at the First Eastern Circular and Akpakpaba Roads intersection in the Edo capital.

She said the soldier was shot dead by suspected armed robbers who attacked the patrol van carrying the soldier and two of his colleagues.

The patrol van itself was escorting another van loaded with “Ghana-Must-Go’’ bags, presumably loaded with cash.

Nwabuzor said an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack was ongoing.

“Edo State Police Command can confirm that a soldier was killed in Benin on Wednesday. A good Nigerian reported the incident at the police station covering that neighbourhood.

“The hoodlums carted away `Ghana-Must-Go’ bags believed to have been loaded with cash from the van.

“Since they were in their patrol vehicle, they should be armed. The assailants acted on information, Nwabuzor added.

An eyewitness said that the assailants, numbering four, drove in an unmarked Toyota Camry against traffic flow as they headed towards an army vehicle.

He said two of the assailants alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers.

“The soldiers jumped out of the vehicle, but one of them was hit by bullets and could not escape from the scene.

“Many people would have died if the soldiers had responded to the hail of bullets shot at them, as the area is a busy spot for business activities,’’ the witness said.