Victims of a robbery incident which occured at the Stadium hotel in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, during the weekend, narrated how they escaped death.
One of the victims, Usman Mustapha Fodio, who spoke to our correspondent, said the going was smooth until 6 gunmen arrived at the hotel.
He said, “The bandits, numbering six, were stationed at the entrance of the hotel, preventing everyone from leaving the complex. When the hotel’s private security official challenged them, one of them punched him. He was about to raise the alarm when he was shot in the hand.
“They collected our phones and ask us to kneel down. Fortunately, I managed to hide inside a culvert at the entrance.
“They also shot the operation manager, and another hotelier. After the robbery, we rushed them to Ilorin General hospital, but I heard they are now at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.”
Another eyewitness who craved anonymity said, “The robbers all wearing black stormed the hotel at 8:40pm last night shooting sporadically in the air, we all scampered to safety.
“They ransacked everywhere taking phones of customers, money among other valuables, we had to run inside the toilet to hide.”
The Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirming the attack to our correspondent, said only 5 armed bandits attacked the hotel.
Okasanmi, who disclosed that no life was lost in the incident, contrary to reports, said that the command had begun investigation into the attack.
He revealed that they have launched a manhunt for the robbers who are, as at the time of filling this report, still at large.
