Residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, were thrown into panic on Friday after gunmen carried out a daring daylight robbery, shooting a motorist and fleeing with an undisclosed sum of money.
The incident occurred around the Post Office area, directly opposite the Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel, a normally busy part of the city. Witnesses said the four-man gang, who were masked, opened fire on their target before escaping in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla with a faded number plate.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that the attackers had trailed the victim, who was driving a grey Toyota Sienna, before striking.
“They followed him and shot at the vehicle from behind,” one witness said. “Two of the tyres were hit, and after forcing the car to stop, they took the money, which was packed in big cartons.”
The driver, who was reportedly conveying cash for an undisclosed purpose, sustained a gunshot wound to his palm during the attack. He was rushed for medical attention shortly after the incident.
Confirming the robbery, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attack happened at about 11:30 a.m.
“An armed robbery incident occurred along Post Office Road, Ilorin, where the driver of a Sienna vehicle was attacked by armed men. The driver sustained a gunshot injury on his palm, while an undisclosed amount of money was taken,” she said, adding that the victim was receiving treatment.
Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident and directed the immediate strengthening of security across the Ilorin metropolis.
She said police patrols have been intensified to reassure residents and prevent a recurrence.
The police commissioner also cautioned members of the public against moving large sums of cash.
“Residents are advised to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to make use of electronic transactions whenever possible. Where physical movement of cash is unavoidable, bank escort services should be used,” the police said.
Residents were further urged to report any suspicious movements, particularly around banks, markets and other busy commercial areas.
The incident has revived memories of past violent robberies in Kwara State, including the deadly Offa bank attacks of 2018, underscoring ongoing concerns about public safety and cash handling practices.
