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Naira Scarcity: All Banks In Ogun State Shut Down Over Destruction of Bank Properties By Rioters

The Ogun State Bankers’ Forum has ordered the shutdown of all commercial banks in Ogun State.

This comes after many of the banks were destroyed by Nigerians protesting the Naira scarcity.

The Ogun State Bankers’ Forum made this known in a communique issued today, Feb. 21.

It reads: “Dear Ogun Bankers,

“You are aware of the massive destructions of all Commercial Banks buildings and other properties yesterday Monday 20th of February, 2023 in Sagamu axis of the State. We thank the Almighty God for the safety of our colleagues during the violent attack.

“While we have held meetings with the State Executives with full assurances of improved security, we feel saddened that the response of the security operatives was absent until all banks were destroyed before decisive actions were taken.

“It is a common saying in our land that a death that kills one’s Neighbour is only telling you a proverb that it will soon be your turn.

“Recall that within the spate of two weeks, we have had related attacks in Sapon and Asero areas of Abeokuta, Sango Ota axis, Mowe/Ibafo axis, Ijebu Ode was averted on Friday for the prompt and timely intervention of the Military in the ancient city.

“While we were thinking the end has come to these senseless attacks, we were all taken by surprise with yesterday burning, destruction and looting of banks furnitures, fittings, computers even the Air Conditioners.

“Since we have just a life to live, the leadership of Ogun Bankers’ Forum has advised that all bank branches within the State be shut down pending when we are assured of improved security of bank operators and banks buildings in the State.

“We recognize the need to satisfy our customers most of whom are not part of these dastard acts vis-a-vis meeting the Financial Year budgets and other KPIs; however more important to us is the safety of our members operating in the State.

“We urge all to maintain safety first while we engage the State Government and relevant agencies on security matters.

“Further directive shall be provided later today via this same channel.

“It’s a trying time and we know that this time will soon pass.

“We thank you all!”

BREAKING: Again, Protest Rocks Ogun Over Naira Scarcity, Banks Burnt

Once again, serious protest has take over Ogun State over the naira scarcity.

Videos online show two banks set on fire in the Sagamu area of the state.

The videos shared on Monday showed many residents watching as Keystone and Union banks were set ablaze with some youths holding planks in protest.

On Friday last week, The PUNCH had reported how protest erupted in the Mowe-Ibafo area of Ogun State, with many residents blocking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in protest of the woes and hardship caused by the lingering scarcity of the naira.

Reacting to the development, a Twitter user, @arranowanna wrote, “Kindly advise your friends, families and acquaintances to avoid any protests. Take your frustration to the ballots on Saturday. Don’t burn banks, don’t burn petrol stations, don’t burn government properties.”

Another user, @morningstar_305 wrote, “I just put a call through to the house and it was confirmed to me that keystone bank and union bank at ijoku has been set ablaze by angry citizens.”

While popular tweep, Pooja, wrote, “If you are in Sagamu, be careful cos there is a protest on new naira notes.”

Meanwhile, on Thursday last week, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in a national broadcast had said the old N500 and N1,000 notes were no longer legal tender in the country, however extending the validity of the old N200 note for 60 days, till April 10, 2023.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bola Oyeyemi, could not be reached as at the time of filing this report, as phone calls to his line were not responded to.