There is tension in Ibadan metropolis as aggrieved residents who have been unable to withdraw the new naira notes , took to the streets in protest on Friday.
Following the protests which started at Iwo Road , spilled over to Idiape, Dugbe and other areas in the state capital,
our correspondent who went round noticed that cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and passers- by were carrying green leaves to show solidarity with the protesters and to avoid being manhandled.
The protesters had set tyres on fire on the major roads in Iwo road as they urged other residents to join them.
" One of the protesters who declined to give his name said " Are you not in this country? This government wants to kill us. Why will the banks hold on to our money and deny us access go it?How do they want us to feed, take transportation to work and fend for our families. Enough is enough. The government must reverse this naira swap. It's obvious we are not ready for it".
Another resident Olarawaju Nathaniel said " I have been at the ATM since 6am. There has been long queues. It was same thing yesterday. The POS operators are charging N300 for every N1000 they give you. How do we cope? "
Visits around Sango, Bodija, UI and environs show that the banks in these vicinities are not dispensing cash from the ATM inspite of the crowd gathered to withdraw cash. The banks like Zenith, First bank, Access and others hurriedly shut thier doors to customers about 12 noon when news of the protesters approaching the city centre was revealed.
A security man at Zenith bank at Bodija was seen turning back angry customers.
He said " We are closed for the day. Go back . Protest is not allowing the bank to load the new notes into the ATMs . When we heard that the protesters were heading to the banks, we had to hurriedly shut down and close for the day". .
An elderly man was seen pleading with the security man at the Zenith bank to allow him into the banking hall to no avail.
He said " I used the bank app to transfer some money. The money was debited from my account but the person did not get the money since last week. That is why I'm in the bank to complain but they are turning me back".
it was gathered that policemen in the metropolis were said to be on high alert to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
A business man at Dugbe area of the state said he escaped being manhandled by the angry protesters.
He said " I went to my business but I and other traders had to flee. The protesters were damaging things and beating people up . They went as far as shooting. They were about to hold me down to bear me up but I hurriedly locked my shop and fled".
No comments:
Post a Comment