A confrontation at a robbery site in Osogbo resulted in the deaths of three individuals believed to be armed robbers. The fatal encounter occurred during a gunfight involving a collaborative security team, which included police operatives from the Osun State Police Command and members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, commonly known as hunters on Tuesday.
Five members of the gang were reportedly injured and subsequently transported to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for medical treatment.
According to reports, a gang consisting of more than 20 armed robbers besieged the former Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill, now known as Integrated Steel PLC of the Dangote Group, during the early hours of the day. The assailants targeted electrical installations on the premises.
Reports state that the robbers gained access through the rear of the property, overpowering security personnel stationed at the main entrance. They had already begun cutting cables and electrical installations when the hunters became aware of their presence in the compound.
He further said, “The men came in more than three vehicles and entered into the premises through the back. They were already inside the premises when security men at the entrance, who were majorly hunters, became aware of their presence.
“The hunters later engaged the robbers in a gun duel. While engaging the robbers, the hunters called for police assistance and men from the Osun police command were immediately deployed.
“During the exchange of gunshots, three robbers were shot dead, while five others were injured. From observation where I was at the time of the incident, the exchange between the robbers and the security men lasted over three hours.
“A police van later came in the morning and evacuated those injured to UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo for treatment. Corpses of those that died were deposited at the morgue of the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.”
Upon inquiry, Yemisi Opalola, the Public Relations Officer for the Osun State Police Command, acknowledged the incident. However, she was unable to provide an immediate and precise count of the number of robbers who lost their lives.
She said, “I am yet to get a full briefing on the incident. We were told the robbers came in large numbers and engaged the hunters. Police later mobilised to the scene and they were subdued. I don’t have the number of those that died yet.”