Banks shut out customers over robbery scare






Many residents of Akure, Ondo State could not carry out bank transactions in the town on Thursday because they were shut out by bank officials.

The development was due to rumours which were peddled by some people that armed robbers were sighted in some parts of the state capital.

Punch Metro observed that all the banks locked out the customers from 8am and instructed their security guards to leave their duty posts so they would not have to answer questions.

Most of the customers, who went back to their various destinations disappointed, lamented the situation.

A member of staff of the Federal Medical Centre in Owo town, Mr. Joseph Abiodun, who said he came to Akure to cash a cheque, said his hope had been dashed by the action.

Abiodun said, "I boarded a commercial vehicle from Owo to Akure with the little amount on me thinking that I would spend part of the money which I had come to withdraw as transport fare back to my base but here I am, stranded"

An official of First Bank plc, who preferred anonymity, said their management received information that robbers would strike on Thursday, hence the decision to avoid being caught unawares.

However the state police command dismissed the fears entertained by the banks officials.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wole Ogodo, could not be reached for comments but a senior police officer in the command said the bankers acted on unsubstantiated information.

He said, "There is nothing like robbery in the state. The bankers' forum told us but we advised them to operate normal services because the police are on top of the situation.

"But they still went ahead to close their banking halls to customers, which is not necessary"




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