Armed robbers numbering about 10 on Saturday invaded the residence of the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Rt. Rev. Lawson Elom and carted away an undisclosed amount of money and other valuables worth millions of Naira.
A relative of the Bishop and the Presbyter of Cathedral Church, Very. Rev. Uche Chukwuemeka, who confirmed the robbery attack, said the robbers invaded the house at about 1 am in the morning.
Mr Chukwuemeka said the robbers used axes and other dangerous weapons to break the fence, burgled one of the windows to gain access into the house while the family members were deep asleep.
The Cleric said the robbers carried out the operation between 1:00 am on Saturday till at about 4:00 am without any security challenge.
The Bishop’s residence, located along Onwe road, is a few kilometers away from the Ebonyi State Police Headquarters, and just behind the Old Government House Abakaliki, the official residence of the State Deputy Governor.
The house is also located near the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Onyinyi Egwu’s school popularly known as Hope High International School.
It was gathered that there is a police check point near the school meant to provide security to the school and the neighborhood which houses many wealthy residents of the state.
But unfortunately, the day the armed men stormed within the area, nobody responded.
Mr Chukwuemeka stated that when the robbers struck, the Bishop was not at home adding that “only God knew what would have happened should they have meet him at home”.
According to him “the robbers jumped into the compound and then broke through the window while the Bishop’s wife and children were sleeping”.
“The robbers used axe and broke through the window. They came inside and surrounded the family members with gun. They collected their phones and ATM”.
“They forced them to reveal their real ATM pin Number which they did. The robbers rushed to the Bank and withdrew all the money in their account”.
It was further gathered that the robbers also broke into their kitchen and store and catered away gallons of oil, bags of Beans, Garri and other food items.
Other properties also catered away by the robbers include; 6 plasma TV, and other electronic equipments, the Bishop’s bag containing important documents, etc.
It was gathered that the robbers after their operation called a taxi who came and parked the stolen properties.
It was learnt that the Bishop has reported the matter to the Ebonyi state police command.
The Bishop could not be reached for comments as his Phone lines were switched off.
Police Spokesman in Ebonyi State, Loveth Odah said that her office is yet to be briefed about the development.
She, however, said the Police will ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted..
“My office has not been briefed about the robbery incident but I the members of the public that the police will do everything within their reach to bring the hoodlums to book,” she said.