How Benue robbers cut short Emmanuel Uche’s life one week after completing NYSC, securing bank job
Up until Friday, 20th October 2023, Emmanuel Uche Best, a young Nigerian had dreams to reach the zenith of his career. He was putting in efforts to achieve this dream of his and everything appear to be going in the right order.
However, that lofty dream was terminated on Friday in Otukpo, Benue State when some daredevil robbers invaded one of the banks Uche recently secured employment and gradually building an enduring career.
According to reports, Uche resumed work at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) in Otukpo one week ago after completion of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme earlier this year.
The late Uche hailed from Umuaku in Umuneochi LGA of Abia State and was a prominent figure in the Isuochi Improvement Association (IIA).
Apart from Uche, four police officers including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Otukpo Police Station and others fell victim of the tragic attacks. Eyewitnesses claimed that the robbers carried out their attacks unhindered for several hours.
“We started hearing gunshots about 3.00pm; when I tried to verify I discovered that three banks were being robbed.
“Before they went to the banks, the armed robbers first attacked the Otukpo Police Station, disarmed the officers and were shooting indiscriminately.
“All of them covered their faces and were in two Hilux vans, a Toyota Matrix and another small car carrying out the robbery, which lasted about one hour without any resistance,” the source said.
The source also said that the robbers left seven persons dead, including police officers and a former councillor who was transacting business in one of the affected banks.
“The incident caused a huge stir in the town as residents, particularly traders, were seen running helter-skelter for dear lives,” the source added.
Governor Alia, IGP condemn attacks
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun while condemning the attack noted that the act of violence was an assault on the principles of peace, security and justice that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies work tirelessly to uphold.
A statement by the spokesman of the NPF, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, added: “The IGP extends his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who were affected by this senseless act of violence. He noted 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, assuring the public that every resource and effort would be dedicated to ensuring that these individuals are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“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”.
“We therefore call upon the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by providing any information that may aid in the investigation and pursuit of the suspects. Your assistance is invaluable in our mission to restore safety and security in the affected area and across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“In the wake of this tragedy, the IGP reiterates the NPF’s commitment to the safety and security of the Nigerian people, standing united against acts of violence and criminality and vowing to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for this reprehensible act are brought to justice.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia on his part assured that perpetrators of the coordinated bank robbery in the town would be arrested.
In a statement on Friday signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor described the incident as “affront on the state, especially that it took place at the exact time the Security Council Meeting was in progress in Government House, Makurdi.”
He also strongly condemned the dastardly operations and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to book.
He specifically sympathised with the families of those gruesomely murdered by the robbers during the operation and prayed God to grant them eternal rest.
“It is an unfortunate development that people who were on duty, especially police officers, were shot and killed in cold blood by those mindless robbers.
“But they cannot get away with this. Already, security agencies are on their trail and must apprehend and bring them to justice,” he said.
