Panic has engulfed the town of Teleku-Bokazo in the Elembelle Municipality following a daring daylight robbery carried out by a heavily armed gang.
The group of about seven men, all dressed in black, stormed the town around 5:30 p.m. and fired multiple warning shots, sending residents and traders fleeing for cover.
At least five gold-buying shops were attacked in the coordinated operation, leaving three people injured and several others traumatized.
Eyewitnesses described the gang as heavily built and extremely aggressive.
They moved from one gold shop to another, smashing safes, brutalizing occupants, and looting significant sums of money and quantities of gold.
After their rampage at the gold shops, the gang proceeded to a nearby phone shop, where they reportedly made away with dozens of mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The brazen incident has triggered fear among residents, with many calling for immediate and increased security presence in the area.
The Elembelle District Police Command has deployed officers to the scene, and a manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the suspects behind the violent assault.
