The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. Kayode Egbetokun has launched manhunt for the perpetrators of the armed robbery attack that took place in Otukpo, Benue State.
TheHintsNews reports that daredevil armed robbers on Friday robbed commercial banks in Otukpo which led to the death of about 8 persons including Police Officers and innocent civilians.
Egbetokun in a statement issued Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa, said the act of violence as an assault on the principles of peace, security, and justice that the Police and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.
The police boss extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by this senseless act of violence.
Egbetokun explained that two of the suspects were gunned down by operatives while attempting to escape, adding that the assailants who orchestrated this brazen act of criminality have indeed “murdered sleep” as their actions have shaken the Otukpo community to its core.
He assured the public that every resource and effort would be dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
Egbetokun added: “In response to this grave incident, the Nigeria Police Force has initiated a comprehensive and coordinated effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
“The IGP has ordered the deployment of additional operational and investigative assets and resources to Otukpo, the Benue State Command, and surrounding states to assist in the swift apprehension of the other fleeing criminals responsible for this atrocity, as a follow up to the gunning down of two of the armed robbers after a hot chase on Friday.
“In the same vein, going by this incident, the IGP has put all Commands and Formations on red alert to avert any further deadly attacks on our institutions and innocent citizens of Nigeria more so that the Otukpo attack was an early warning sign of the Ember Month challenges which is often characterised by bank robbery and other related crimes.”
The police boss called on the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that might aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects.