Protests rock Ogun over naira, fuel scarcity

A violent protest erupted in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Tuesday as angry youths took to the streets, destroying public infrastructure in protest of the scarcity of the new naira notes and fuel.

The youths went on a rampage vandalising political posters and billboards and blocking roads with bonfires.

It was gathered that the protest was ignited at a branch of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Asero area of Abeokuta where customers had queued since 4 a.m. but could not withdraw cash.

It was learned that the protesters attempted to attack the GTBank but they were stopped by the prompt intervention of the police.

The protest, however, spread to other parts of the metropolis, including Sapon, Ibara, Panseke, and Adatan.

It was further gathered that schools were shut while traders hurriedly closed their shops to avoid being caught up in the protest.

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The protest took a worse turn in Sapon area of the Ogun State capital as the protesters attacked a branch of First Bank in the area, while the bank’s Automated Teller Machine (ATM) was also vandalised.

In order to avoid being attacked, taxi drivers and okada riders had to show solidarity by attaching leaves to their vehicles.

While parents rushed to schools to bring home their wards at noon, relatives also called their loved ones on phone, asking them to stay safe and avoid being victims of the ongoing violent protest.

“We can’t withdraw our money, we can’t buy fuel, see long queues everywhere. There is no water, there is no light, yet these people are out there campaigning. What type of a nation is this? We must stop this nonsense,” one of the protesters said in a video.

Speaking on the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said police operatives were monitoring the situation.

Oyeyemi warned the protesters against causing more hardship for Nigerians, especially by vandalising other people’s properties.

He expressed concern that some of those leading the uprising do not have money to withdraw from their accounts.

“We have talked to them so that they won’t turn the protest to destruction of properties. Anybody who tries to destroy any property will be decisively dealt with. We have warned them.

“They are protesting that they can’t withdraw money and there is fuel scarcity. The funny thing is that those who don’t have N5 in their accounts are demonstrating that they can’t withdraw. This is uncalled for. We all have to be calm,” the police spokesperson said.

The Star