Unknown gunmen yesterday killed no fewer than 17 persons in three separate attacks carried out in Kogi, Plateau and Yobe states while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the killings which took place took both the residents and security operatives in the states by surprise.
Kogi State recorded the highest number of deaths with seven persons whose identities were yet to be known.
Plateau and Yobe states recorded five deaths each in the attacks.
LEADERSHIP reliably gathered that the Kogi incident occurred when suspected armed robbers numbering about 15 invaded one of the first generation banks in Ankpa town at about 2pm in an operation that lasted an hour.
The robbers who were said to have carried out their attack with sophisticated weapons were said to have also attacked a police station from where they dislodged the officers on duty.
The robbers were said to have stormed the town in five SUV vehicles were said to have invaded the bank, before making futile attempt to gain entry into another bank, a third generation bank. They finally invaded the police station where they were said to have carted away police weapons and freed some of the detainees.
The police officers on duty took to their heels when the robbers invaded their station. Meanwhile, when the robbers attempted to storm the third generation bank again, they were prevented by the joint task force, which comprised of the military, police and men of the State Security Service, SSS.
LEADERSHIP learnt that some of the dead, including a native doctor and a woman petty trader were hit by stray bullets.
Kogi State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the attack, said they were awaiting the report of the Divisional Police Officer in the area.
And for the five who were killed in Jos by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, they were said to have been killed in a midnight attack in Gwarim village in Rim District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Apart from the five killed by the unknown gunmen, two teenagers who were inflicted with deep machete cuts are also currently receiving medical treatment at the Vom Christian Hospital, Jos.