BREAKING: Banks Shut Down In Ogun

Banks have been shut down in Ogun.

EKOHOTBLOG reports that scores of commercial banks in Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State, have closed operations over the fear of being attacked by armed robbers.

It was gathered that the banks in the Ogun community have been shut down since Monday following letters allegedly sent to some of them by the suspected armed robbers.

EKOHOTBLOG further learnt that the development, which was described as a proactive measure by the bankers, has left scores of residents and customers stranded.

Sources disclosed that the banks maintained that they would only resume operations if the Ogun State Government assisted the police with armoured personnel carriers to be mounted close to their branches in the community.

Some residents of Ijebu-Ode added that they have been travelling to other communities like Sagamu, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to deposit or withdraw money.

Speaking on the incident, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, who identified himself as Salam, said the development would have adverse effects on the economic activities of the area.

The POS operator said, “We withdraw money from banks to pay our customers and we also deposit in the bank when we have large sums of money in our kitty.

“If the banks are not opening, it will negatively affect us.

“In fact, it is affecting me already. I have been going to Sagamu to make withdrawals. It is bad.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, when contacted, said there was no reason for fear of attacks, adding that the police had assured the banks and residents of their safety.

The police spokesperson said, “They are just entertaining fear where there is none; even the Area Commander and the DPOs have told them that there is no need to fear.

“Why should they be afraid because there are no Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)? Even if the APCs are working, is it not the police that will operate them?

“The police are on ground to provide adequate security of lives and property, they are the ones that know why they are entertaining fear.

“We have assured them of their protection and our presence everywhere in Ijebu-Ode and everywhere in Ogun state. There is no reason to be panicking,” he stated.

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