EDO: Robbers raid Benin market, kill three

AT least three persons were said to have lost their lives when a group of armed robbers on Saturday attacked New Benin Market in Oredo Local Government Area (LGA).

The robbers reportedly operated for about 30 minutes, shooting repeatedly into the air to scare traders away so as to have a field day in the area.

According to eyewitness, the robbers had on arrival swooped on traders and market women and dispossessed them of cash and other valuables.

Several shops and trading points were robbed and looted in the ever-busy commercial area.

Most traders, whose shops were located along Mission Road in the market, were not spared even as market women and roadside hawkers scampered for safety during the melee.

However, some traders, who braved the situation, in conjunction with the police, gave the robbers a hot chase.

The fleeing robbers sensing further danger opened fire on anybody on sight; killed two persons on the spot and left several others with injuries.

A middle-aged girl, reportedly shot on the spot, was said to be on a danger list at an undisclosed hospital as of the time of filing this report.

The robbers were said to have escaped through the New Lagos Road end of the market.