At least 12 persons were reportedly killed on Thursday  when armed men attacked banks located in the northern Edo State town of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

Residents of Igarra which is about two hours drive from Benin City were thrown into deep mourning yesterday following a bloody bank robbery by dare devil robbers which resulted in the death of 12 persons. Two banks, Unity Bank and Keystone Bank were robbed by the gun totting gang who laid a siege on the quiet town. 

Reports say the armed men had first attacked a police station located a few kilometers from the banks, apparently to demobilize the only outfit which could  hinder their mission.

They  reportedly burnt the official vehicle of the newly posted Area Commander and killed a policeman. They also killed three pedestrians passing near the police station.

The gang also killed two persons who were detained in the police station the robbers attacked a day before for minor offences.  One of them was said to have been arrested for driving with incomplete vehicle particulars.

At least four other persons were reportedly killed within the premises of the two banks apparently in anger as it was gathered that the armed men could not gain access to the vaults of the banks.