The people of Ile-Ife , Osun State on Monday escaped robbery attacks as some suspected armed robbers attempted to lunch operations on commercial banks in Lagere Area.

It was gathered that no fewer than seven commercial banks have branches in Lagere area and the suspected robbers arrived the area about 10am.

According to eye witnesses, the robbers, who stormed the area in a Toyota Camry car and a bus, parked near a commercial bank in the area and shot continuously into the air to scare away people.

However, policemen attached to the banks and members of the vigilance groups within the vicinity responded with stronger force, forcing the robbers to beat a retreat.

“When the robbers arrived Lagere, they parked their vehicles a few meters away from the banks.

“You know, about seven commercial banks have branches in the area. At the time they arrived, activities in the area were just picking up. Customers were moving in and out of the banks.

“They suddenly began shooting into the air to scare people away; but policemen attached to the banks and vigilante boys responded with stronger force, shooting at the direction of the robbers.

“The robbers escaped through Akarabata area, Modakeke; and moved out through Ondo road.

“They were given hot chase by the combined team of policemen and vigilante boys,” a resident of Lagere, Adeolu Olagunju, said.

When contacted for reaction, Police Public Relations Officer for Osun Police Command, Folasade Odoro (SP), confirmed the incident and said that policemen were on the trail of the robbers.

“Their attempt on the banks failed. One of their vehicles was seized by our men. I have not been properly briefed. But that is the situation for now,” Odoro said.