Armed robbers have attacked some banks at Oturkpo in Benue State, killing no fewer than eight persons including policemen, and carting away huge sums of cash and other valuables. 

The banks attacked included the First Bank, United Bank for Africa, UBA and Zenith, the sources added.
It was alleged that a group of armed robbers  launched a brazen attack on selected commercial banks on Friday afternoon, adding that the audacious operation, lasted about an hour, even as the assailants used explosives and sophisticated weaponry to kill and maim their victims.
Those killed included police personnel, vigilant group members, and a serving councillor who happened to be inside one of the affected commercial banks when the armed assailants stormed the premises. This incident sent shockwaves through the ancient town, causing panic among residents.

Eyewitness, said that the hooded armed men initiated their operation by attacking the local police station, successfully disarming all personnel on duty before proceeding to the town’s main commercial banks.
“The entire operation started at about 3 pm, when about 10 :armed men arrived in Toyota Hilux vehicles and another smaller car at Zenith Bank. There, they detonated explosives within the bank and proceeded to fire their weapons indiscriminately.
"The chaos that ensued during the attacks resulted in widespread destruction, with cars near the banks, along with goods in nearby shops, sustaining considerable damage. The proximity of the banks to the local market amplified the impact of the explosions.
“The explosions created pandemonium in the town,” the eyewitness recounted, “and people started running in different directions for their lives. In the midst of the confusion, the armed men successfully robbed Zenith Bank, UBA, and First Bank. They also killed eight individuals, including some of the police personnel assigned to the banks and several members of the Otukpo vigilante group who attempted to confront them,” the eyewitnesses said.
After successfully carrying out the operations, the hoodlums fled the scene with bags of money, firing their weapons into the air to intimidate the populace. They then made their getaway towards Makurdi via the Makurdi-Otukpo Road, shooting sporadically as they went, creating further panic in the town.
Traditional Ruler of Oturkpo, His Royal Highness, John Eimonye, confirmed the tragic events, noting that security personnel were in hot pursuit of the armed robbers. He assured the public that the perpetrators would not escape justice.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, also, confirmed the incident saying she was awaiting full details from police personnel on the ground in Otukpo.