Frustrated Nigerians vandalized the Wema Bank branch in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday.
The protesters’ action which is unconnected with the hardship Nigeraisn face in aceessing naira notes, barricaded Iwo road, Gate and other routes in Ibadan North East local government area and chanted anti-government songs.
The mob were shouting out of frustration in Yoruba language: “lori owo wa” meaning despite being our money.
Many workers in the government secretariat panicked as they vacated their offices to hang in different locations in case of unforeseen eventuality.
Bone tyres were set in front of the secretariat by the angry mob to register their anger.
Executive Assistant on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), has condemned the protest, saying the situation in the country affects everybody equally and should not be the reason anybody should hide under such to destroy or vandalise government property.
In October last year, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, announced the plan to redesign the N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, and asked Nigerians to deposit their old notes before January 31, 2023 when they would cease to be legal tender.
Although the deadline has been shifted to February 10, many Nigerians have found it difficult to obtain the new naira notes.
Operators of Point of Sales (POS) have cashed in on the situation to raise service charges of N5,000 between N500 and N1,000.
