Bloody riots spread across states over cash withdrawal challenges

Protests by angry bank customers over inability to withdraw cash for their daily use spread to many states and bloody in some areas on Wednesday.

This came after the Supreme Court adjourned the case instituted by some state governments to stop the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s enforcement of February 10 deadline for the use of the old naira notes.

Protests were reported in Edo, Delta, Rivers, Ondo and Oyo states.

Four persons, including a nursing mother, were reportedly killed in Benin, the Edo State capital, as angry residents barricaded the gate of the CBN.

Two of the persons were killed on the Akpakpava road where the CBN office is located; one on Sakpoba road, while the nursing mother was killed by stray bullet while waiting at the ATM spot to withdraw cash.

The social media were agog with pictures and videos of the chaotic situations in many areas  bonfires, burnt automated teller machines (ATMs), motorists in gridlocks and stranded commuters as protesters blocked major roads.

In Ondo, market women and youths stormed the streets of Akure, Ondo town, Ikare-Akoko and Owo to protest the effects of naira scarcity.

Protesters blocked bank locations in Owo and Akure, causing gridlock for several hours.

Security operatives were seen stationed at banks while others patrolled the streets.

Several commercial banks which earlier opened for business were hurriedly closed as their staffers fled their duty posts for fear of being attacked.

The protests also caused gridlock in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described the burning of an ATM gallery in his state as “deeply concerning”.

“The news of the bank’s ATM gallery being set ablaze during a protest in Orhuwhorun Community, Udu Local Government Area is deeply concerning,” he said.

“While I understand the difficulties many of you are going through, I implore all citizens to remain peaceful during these trying times.

“We are fully aware of your concerns and the difficulties you face, but we strongly advise against resorting to violence, such as burning down banks that employ our people. Such actions will only exacerbate the problem and could have far-reaching consequences for our nation.”