A banker was beaten blue and black on Wednesday and several Automated Teller Machine cards seized from residents after some suspected robbers stormed Onamila Crescent, Valley Estate, Dopemu, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Residents said that the four robbers stormed the area around 7.30pm and announced their arrival by releasing sporadic shots into the air, forcing residents to scamper for safety.
The robbery was the third the community would be experiencing within one month.
The robbers were also at Obadare Close, Phase 2, of the estate.
The residents were forced to pen down their ATM Personal Identity Number at gun point.
The robbers burst into a compound where they attacked the banker who they saw in the premises.
They later ordered him to take them to his apartment.
The banker was said to have refused to obey their command, forcing them to further beat him.
He was injured in the process.
A resident said: “The robbers escaped with some Automated Teller Machine cards. They also beat up Mr. Ajala, one of our neighbours.”
A victim, who gave his name as Michael, said: “I was in the room when the robbers forced their way into our compound. They first held down the security men and made their way into each apartment.”
A resident, Ifunanya, said they were taken aback by the sudden gunshots which shattered the serenity of the community.
She recalled: “We heard gunshots and quickly bolted our gates. There was unrest as people were blowing whistles, and calling for help. The gunshots lasted for about 15 minutes. I think they could only touch two houses before the police came.”
A security man in neighbouring Adelanwa Street said robbers had operated in the area about two weeks ago, adding that the police should increase their patrol of the area.