Naira scarcity: Gunshots as hoodlums attack commuters in Lagos

Gunshots rented the atmosphere in the Mile 12 area of Lagos State on Friday following protest of the scarcity of naira notes in the state.

It was gathered that some hoodlums in the area took over the Mile 12-Ikorodu expressway and attacked commuters.

A viral video showed motorists and residents who were on their way to different places of work hurriedly turning back in panic as the hoodlums set bonfires on the road.

Vehicles coming from Ikorodu could not go beyond Mile 12 bridge as they hurriedly made U-turn to their destinations.

Most vehicles plying the highway were turned back to Ikorodu, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses.

READ ALSO: Protest rocks Ibadan over naira scarcity

Confirming the incident via a tweet on his verified Twitter account, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said: “It is true. Our men are there. Reinforcement units have been deployed.

“Stay safe out there as we closely monitor and manage the situation.”

In another tweet, the police spokesperson said normalcy has been restored in the area.

“Free movement of vehicles and people fully restored. Our officers and men are still on ground to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“If you see something, say something,” Hundeyin added.

This is coming barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari said the old N200 note will remain a legal tender until April 10.

Buhari, in a nationwide broadcast on Thursday morning, said the old and new N200 notes will exist side by side so as to ease the naira scarcity, adding that old N1,000 and N500 are no longer legal tenders.

The Star