Residents groan as Ogun banks remain shut Featured
Written by Agency Reporter



Stranded customers at the gate of a commercial bank at Lalubu Road, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, as the closure of banks continues in the state owing to robbery scare , on Monday. Stranded customers at the gate of a commercial bank at Lalubu Road, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, as the closure of banks continues in the state owing to robbery scare , on Monday. NAN.


Commercial activities in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been grounded as commercial banks have refused to open to customers for the fifth day for fear of armed robbery, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The unanimous decision to close the banks in the state since December 1 was informed by the spate of bandits’ attacks on banks at Ifo, Ota, Ijebu-Igbo, Ilaro, Ago Iwoye and Sagamu.

Fearing a spillover effect on Abeokuta, the management of the banks collectively agreed to take the preemptive action by refusing to open to customers since Thursday.

A NAN correspondent, who visited Lalubu Road where most of the banks are located, reports that none opened for business.

NANalso reports that not even the assurances given by Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the state Police Command could persuade the banks.

Some customers, who spoke at Kuto Market, decried the development, saying that it had caused them grave losses in their respective businesses, and pleaded with the state government to come to the aid of financial institutions in the state.

“No one is safe; it is very ridiculous. The government must wake up to its responsibility by helping these banks,” a trader said.

Adijat Koleoso, a frozen food seller at Kuto Market, observed that most of her customers could not patronise her due to the banks’ closure.

A public servant who identified himself as Julius, said, “I have been here since the past week to collect my salary but to no avail. Customers are distressed, even the ATM machines that could have been helpful are not working properly.”

However, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, told NAN that the command had made adequate arrangements to protect lives and property.

He said the command had also deployed 200 mobile police men in the vicinity of the banks with constant patrols being enforced.

“The bankers are hereby urged to go about their normal business as security is guaranteed,” Adejobi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, added.


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