Three suspected armed robbers were killed in a gunfight with a joint security squad on Tuesday at a robbery site in Osogbo, which included police operatives from the Osun State Police Command and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, also known as hunters.
Five members of the gang were also allegedly injured and sent to Osun State University Teaching Hospital in Osogbo for treatment.
A security source familiar with the incident, who preferred anonymity, told PUNCH Metro that a gang of over 20 armed robbers stormed the defunct Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill, now known as Integrated Steel PLC of the Dangote Group, in the early hours of the morning and pillaged the premises’ electrical installations.
According to the source, the thieves entered the premises from the back, defeated security guards stationed at the main gate, and were already destroying wires and electrical infrastructure when the hunters discovered their presence in the area.
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.”
When contacted, the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, though confirmed the incident, could not immediately give a specific number of the robbers that were killed.
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.”
