BANK ROBBERY; COPS PROMOTED,KIDS GRANTED SCHOLARSHIPS BY BANK,ROBBERS ARRESTED

The Imo State Police Command Tuesday said it did not abandon the families of the policemen who lost their lives during the February 22, 2017, bank robbery at the Wetheral Road branch of a bank in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, while briefing journalists, declared that the Inspector General of Police (IG), Idris Ibrahim, had approved the promotion to the next rank of the gallant officers while the bank had awarded scholarships to the children of the two policemen who died during the robbery incident.

He said the bank equally said it would take care of the whole medical expenses of another police Sergeant, Otu Attang, who lost one of his eyes during the armed robbery attack.

The dead officers were, Sergeants Chukwudi Iboko whose bravery on the day of the attack was declared heroic by most Nigerians after the footage of the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) during the robbery had gone viral on the social media, and Sunday Agbo.

Ezeike said: "We want to thank bank for the financial assistance rendered for the burial expenses, release of start-up business funds for the family of the deceased officers, monthly allowances to the family of the deceased officers, payment of hospital bills and the promise of scholarship to any level for the family of the deceased officers.

"You are our partners in the Nigeria security project and we appreciate you for the further treatment of our injured and gallant Sergeant Otu Attang."

The state police boss stated that the dead officers were uncommon heroes and the leadership of the Nigeria police force "did not and will not abandon their families.

"Sergeant Chukwudi Iboko, Sunday Agbo and Otu Attang remain our uncommon heroes. They were gallant, professional, courageous, and displayed encouraging passion in defence of lives and property. The Nigeria police under the leadership of IG, Idris, has not, did not and will not abandon them or their families."

On while the families of the dead cops were yet to receive their entitlements, the commissioner said the police as a federal government agency was governed by laws in all matters, including financial matters, assuring them that the financial rights, benefits and privileges of the fallen officers would be fully paid and timely too.

Ezike informed the people that the two deceased officers were recommended for posthumous promotion while the injured officer was equally recommended for special promotion to his next rank by the leadership of the police.

"I am confident that very soon the IG will graciously announce the promotions. Similarly, the command is in constant touch with the families of the deceased officers. We have made and will continue to make financial assistance to cushion the effects of the losses of their loved breadwinners,"he added.

Ezike commended Nigerians from all walks of lives for helping the families of the dead officers for "doing a thorough job."