Commercial banks in Ijebu axis in Ogun East senatorial district have continued to shut its doors against customers over alleged insecurity situation in the area.
The banks, we gathered, had shut down businesses for over a month when it was discovered that the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs) mounted at strategic points in the axis had been removed. This development was the second time in the last two years.
Customers of different banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye had been subjected to unnecessary hardships,as they were forced to transact their businesses in Sagamu and neighboring Oyo State.
Speaking with us, a resident of Ijebu-Ode, Mr Wasiu Adeyemi, confirmed that banks in Ijebu-Ode had been under lock and key for weeks, saying such step had continued to paralyse economic activities in the area.
However, Adeyemi said that some of the banks were loading their Automated Machines Teller (ATM) with cash to ameliorate the suffering of their customers.
Also speaking, Jamiu Adedayo,also confirmed that the APCs had been withdrawn to unknown destination, hence the decision of the Bankers Association in the zone to close shops.
He said, “As am speaking with you, no banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye are working. The reason is not far-fetched, it is because the APCs provided by the state government were withdrawn and this created a sort of fear in the minds of the bankers.
“No banks have operated in Ijebu-East Local Government in the last three years, First Bank in Ogbere and Wema Bank in Ijebu-Imushin,while the ATMs were equally not working.
“Skye Bank and Wema Banks which resumed businesses in Ijebu-Igbo about a year ago have shut down again because of security challenge. No single bank in the six local government in Ijebu-axis is working. Only banks in Sagamu area are working with the support of the Vigilance Group.”
At the time of filling this report, the mobile line of the state Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Muyiwa Adejobi,could not be reached for comment on the development.
