22nd September, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta
Commercial banks refused to open for business in Ijebu-Ode,Ogun state today triggering fears of a robbery attack.
But contrary to the rumour, the banks shut down as a security precaution. P.M.NEWS learnt that the banks shut down because of the breakdown of the two Armoured Personnel Carriers,APC in the town.
The APCs were bought by Governor Amosun two years ago, to provide some shield to the banks, against bandits.
Under the previous administration in the state, some banks refused to open for business, as they were attacked several times by armed bandits.
Today’s shutdown made many bank customers to troop to neighbouring towns to carry out their transactions..
Chairman of the local Vigilante Service of Ogun, VSO, Ijebu Ode Command, Comrade Ijaoba Odukoya explained that the banks decided not to open because of the condition of the APC, adding that, there was no case of armed robbery within the area in the last few weeks.
“I can confirm to you that there was nothing like robbery attack or whatsoever. Truly, banks in Ijebu Ode did not open today and the main reason was that the two APC we have in the town are faulty and the banks felt that thy would rather see to the repairing of the Carriers before they would open shop.
“We got the information and with the little logistics we have, we moved round to ensure safety of banks and their officials but we also don’t have vehicles. If the government has come to our aids by giving us a vehicle or two,we would have given the bank officials the confidence to open as we would be on patrol,but when we don’t have one,it is better we let them be.