An attempt to rob two new generation banks at GRA junction, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the early hours of yesterday failed, as the police was able to cordon-off the area, though the robbers escaped.
This is as five people, including a policeman were feared dead in Emuoha, following clashes for undisclosed reasons, while the Navy killed two militants and wounded two in a clash at Cawthorn Channel.
The robbers gained entry into Zenith and Guaranty Trust banks located beside each other, the police were alerted and dispatched their men to the scene.
It was not, however, clear how the robbers who were surrounded by the police team that raced to the scene managed to escape, while none of the bank officials approached to confirm how much was carted away agreed to volunteer information.
Some who spoke under conditions of anonymity, confirmed the attack, but said they could not gain access into any of the vaults of both banks before the police arrived.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Ireju Barasua, said the robbers did not succeed.
However, sources said the robbers stormed the banks following the public holiday declared on Wednesday, and calculated that deposits of the previous day was still there.
Also, a clash between the navy and militants resulted in two deaths on the part of the militants, while two were wounded and are being treated in Military hospital, Port Harcourt.
The Naval men were said to be escorting a supply barge belonging to Chevron Texaco around the Cawthorn channel, when they were attacked.
Contacted, Naval Public Relations Officer, H.C Ahmed, said there were even more developments which would soon be made available to the press, adding that his men overwhelmed the militants.
In another development, a deputy superintendent of Police (Names withheld) was allegedly shot and killed in front of his house at Emuoha, by some unknown people.
The late policeman was said to have come out of the house when he was rushed at by some men carrying automatic weapons who shot him severally, killing him instantly.