Armed robbers went on the rampage last night at the New Benin Market, Benin, killing three innocent citizens during an operation they conducted unchallenged for several hours.
The popular market, is located in the centre of Benin, with dualised roads to Lagos, Asaba/Onitsha, Abuja, Warri, Benin Airport cutting across it.
It is not far from the ancient palace of the Oba of Benin.
The robbers announced their arrival at the market with sporadic gun shots.
They then proceeded to dispossess the traders of their cash, mobile phones and other valuables in a looting spree.
Many of the traders, buyers and passers by fled in different directions to avoid being hit by bullets or robbed.
Traders with shops on Mission Road axis of New Benin and road-side peasant traders were not spared of the horror by the criminals, as they also lost cash and other valuables.
Some traders and policemen later arrived the scene but the robbers kept shooting even as they escaped.
Three innocent persons were hit by bullets and killed in the process.
It was gathered that a girl, who was hit by the fleeing armed robbers stray bullets, was on the danger list at an undisclosed hospital in Benin.
Some other injured traders, motorists and passersby were also receiving treatment in medical facilities in the Edo state capital and its environs.
Bodies of the victims were seen inside one of the police patrol vans close to the invaded market, preparatory to depositing them in a morgue in Benin.
Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), did not take his calls at press time, had not replied the text and WhatsApp messages later sent to him.
