A 32-year-old mobile money vendor is receiving specialist treatment after he was shot in the stomach by armed robbers during a Sunday night attack at Militia Junction in Agona Swedru in the Central Region.

The victim, identified as Eric Barns, was reportedly attacked at about 7:40 pm. while operating his mobile money business. The assailants made away with an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing into a nearby bush.

According to the Central Regional Police Command, officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and proceeded to the scene. However, by the time they arrived, the suspects had escaped.

A statement signed by the Central Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Isaac Evans Ettie, said police, with the assistance of residents, mounted a search operation in the area but were unable to apprehend the suspects.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Barns was shot during the robbery and was rushed to the Agona Swedru Municipal Hospital for emergency medical attention.

Police officers later visited the hospital and found the victim in the emergency theatre with a gunshot wound to the upper left side of his abdomen. Medical examinations, including an X-ray, revealed bullets lodged in his abdominal cavity.

Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving specialist treatment.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over the increasing spate of attacks on mobile money operators across the country, with many continuing to fall victim to armed robbery.

The Central Regional Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that every available lead is being pursued to arrest the perpetrators.

The police have also appealed to the public to volunteer credible information that could assist in tracking down the suspects and bringing them to justice.