Violent protest over new Naira notes scarcity which swept Abeokuta, Ogun State capital about two weeks ago has spread to Sagamu area of the state with people believed to be bank customers vandalizing and torching two banks.
The affected banks are Union Bank and Keystone Bank.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 27 suspects have been arrested in connection with the protest which broke out in Sagamu on Monday morning.
According to the police spokesman in the state, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspects were apprehended at the bank locations and other parts of the town.
“27 suspects have been arrested in connection with the protest which broke out in Sagamu on Monday morning.
“Normalcy has been restored in greater parts of Sagamu now. CP Frank Mba is personally leading police teams and some military men to tackle the situation,’’ he said in a statement a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews.
The angry youths including girls had blocked the roads leading to the banks after waiting for several hours without cash being dispensed to them and made bonfires thereby disrupting human and vehicular movements.
Shops, schools, offices and other banks hurriedly shut down as the riot spread.
Earlier on Sunday, the new Ogun Police Commissioner, Frank Mba, had threatened to deal with those trying to foment trouble in the state hiding under the current cash crisis.
According to him, there is intelligence report at the disposal of the command indicating that some criminal elements were planning to take advantage of the challenging economic situation to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the State.
He spoke during a confidence-building patrol conducted by the Police and other security forces in the state, on Saturday, targeted at assuring residents of the resolve of the Command to protect lives and property, prevent breakdown of law and order, and improve public safety and security.
He, therefore, warned that the police would not fold its arms and allow persons with criminal intentions, to hide under any guise whatsoever, to unleash mayhem on residents, private and public property, and critical national infrastructure, including banks and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mba assured that necessary security architecture has been emplaced to protect the peace loving people of the state.
He directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to arrest and bring to book any person or group wanting to foment trouble and cause breach of peace in the state.
In a related development, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has appealed for calm, saying efforts are on to continue to engage the Federal Government over the situation.
“I appeal to all to remain calm and peaceful as we continue to engage the Federal Government.
“This policy is not from the state or local government. Therefore, the destruction of lives and properties will only compound an already bad situation.
“I urge our people to continue to accept the old notes in line with the Supreme Court ruling. No person who accepts the old notes would lose out. I can assure you of that, and please hold on to that promise.”
“Further, I am also mandating all our market people to continue to accept the old notes. I hereby undertake that no one will lose out for possessing the old notes,’’ he said.
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