Gunmen, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Wednesday, attacked a Government House bullion van, killed the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office, Taiwo Oyenekan and made away with cash.
A statement by the state police command reads:
“The Divisional Police Officer of Ibara Police Station, led a team of Policemen to the scene of a crime that occurred at the overhead bridge in Kuto inward Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, following a report that suspected armed robbery attack took place on November 29, 2023.
“The incident involved a mini bullion van belonging to the office of the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
The bullion van, registered under the number X pilot 13, was transporting the Director of Finance, Taiwo Oyenekan, along with the driver, Olalekan Akintoye, and Peter Samson. The van was carrying an unspecified amount of cash collected from Fidelity Bank and Sterling Bank in Abeokuta.
“It is worth noting that the bullion van was lacking security escort at the time of the incident.
“During the attack, the bullion van was dangerously intercepted on the Kuto Overhead Bridge by yet to be identified five armed men.
“These suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and were travelling in an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla, and suddenly they trapped the Bullion van by double crossing it.
“The armed men first interrogated the driver if they have rifles in the vehicle and specifically inquired about the identity of the Director of Finance. In a display of anger, the armed men fired shots at the front door of the vehicle, where the director was seated.
“As a result of the attack, the Director of Finance sustained bullet wounds on his thigh and private part, he was rushed to State Hospital, where he died.
“The driver and other occupants were unharmed. At present, no arrests have been made; however, efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.
“The incident is currently under investigation, by Ibara Police Station, and will be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, is reassuring residents of Ogun State not to panic or fear as the situation is under control, operatives are working diligently to gather more information that will bring the perpetrators to justice”.