Protests in Benin, Kwara, Ondo over naira notes

Nigerians have continued to react over the scarcity of the new naira notes across states.

Some have demonstrated in the major roads to express their anger and frustration.

Edo state

There were of protest in Benin metropolis over shortage of the new naira notes.

The protesters blocked major roads leading to heavy traffic jam around King’s Square, New Benin, Akpakpava Road, Airport Road and Sapele Road.

The protesters were seen destroying cars and banks’ facilities especially within the aforementioned areas.

Police public Relations Officer in Edo Police Command, Mr Chidi Nwabuzo told Radio Nigeria that the command was aware of the situation but could not give specific details.

He assured that the police would do the needful.

Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that the protest has taken some lives.

Kwara State

Youths in Ilorin the Kwara State capital protested the scarcity of new naira notes and rejection of the old notes by traders, commercial vehicle operators and commercial banks in the metropolis.

The protesting youths came out in their numbers putting up bonfires on the road to register their displeasure with the present state of affairs in the country.

The protest which was said to have began in Gerin Alimi area of the State was also recorded in areas such a Oloje, Ogidi, Oja Oba and Offa garage.

Vehicular movements were obstructed as people made quick return to their homes, stayed back at their places of work, while some schools closed early for safety concerns.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force were on ground to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has appealed to the people of the State to give peace a chance and not give in to the frustrations being experienced as a result of the scarcity of the naira notes scarcity.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

Governor Abdulrazaq said that he was aware of the sufferings of the people as a result of the situation and gave an assurance that Government is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the economic challenge.

Ondo State

Protests broke out in Akure the Ondo State capital and Ondo town over continued naira scarcity.

There have been tension over rejection of old notes by the populace and inability to access the new notes continued in many parts of the state.

Protesters blocked major roads in both towns as P.O.S operators scampered to safety and banks quickly closed.

One resident , Mrs Busola Ajayi said she went round many of the P.O.S centres but was unable to get cash.

In the mornings before the protest , ATM galleries were crowded with long queues while some did not dispense.

A resident , Mrs Mary Henry told Radio Nigeria that she had been to the CBN office in Akure and was told to filled a form on the bank’s portal for her to change the old notes with her.

At one of the commercial banks at Alagbaka in Akure , Positive FM gathered that the bank only gave out #5000 on the counter while shutting down the ATM.

In Idanre , banks have remained closed while residents stormed the ATM galleries in long queues.

Community reporter , Ganiyu Agbelusi reports that the situation had affected the election activities in the area as political parties complained of money to fund their various programs.

In an interview , Esther Adegoke and Mrs Lily Ayodele said the situation was affecting everyone and getting out of hands hence the need for those in authority to do the needful.

Source: radionigeria