“Your killers will pay” – Police mourns DPO shot dead during bank robbery in Benue

The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP. John Adikwu, and three other police officers lost their lives during a deadly bank robbery that occurred on Friday in Otukpo, Benue State.

The spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, expressed her condolences and vowed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would face justice.

“We fight harder when we cry. It won’t be over till it’s over . Rest on SP Adikwu. Your killers will pay. You told me you want to fight crime in your hometown,” she wrote.

The incident unfolded on October 20, 2023, when a group of armed robbers simultaneously targeted five banks in Otukpo.

Access, First, Zenith, UBA, and Stanbic banks were all under attack, leading to a violent confrontation between the criminals and law enforcement officers.

The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu, and his team were quick to respond, engaging the armed robbers in a gun battle.

Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to prevent the robbery.

Tragically, CSP. John Adikwu and three other police officers lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.

Several other individuals inside the banks sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The situation in Otukpo remains tense, and in response to the brazen robbery, additional police teams, in collaboration with other security agents, have been deployed to the area.

In PPRO’s words;

On 20/10/2023 at about 1615hrs, armed robbers invaded Access, First, Zenith, UBA and Stanbic bank Otukpo simultaneously,” she said.

“The Otukpo Divisional Police Officer, CSP. John Adikwu and other Police teams in the area engaged them in a gun dwell but were unable to prevent their attack on the banks.

“More police teams in collaboration with other security agents have been deployed to Otukpo to assist in stabilising the area and prevent these robbers from escaping.

“The robbers who were intercepted along Otukpo-Taraku road engaged officers in a gun duel and two of the robbers died in the process. Other gang members abandoned their vehicles and escaped into the forest area and are been chased by the police.

“The DPO who sustained a gunshot injury on his stomach and three other police officers have been confirmed dead at the hospital. Other persons who sustained injuries in the bank have been moved to the hospital for treatment.

“We waited for them on their escape route and engaged them, they had to abandon their vehicle towards Taraku town. We pursued them into the bush and fell two of them. We apprehended one alive.”

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