Peter Dada, Akure

Banks in the four local governments in the Akoko area of Ondo State were under lock and key on Wednesday because of a robbery scare.PUNCH reports

It was gathered that the banks in the Akoko North-East, Akoko North-West, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West local government areas turned back their customers following instructions to them not to open for business.

It was learnt that the development was not unconnected with rumours that armed robbers were planning to attack the banks.

An official of one of the banks, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that there was a signal and security alerts that armed robbers were planning to attack banks in the area, hence the directive to shut down.

He said, “Initially, we wanted to start operation for the day, but suddenly, security information reached us that some bandits were around and we did not want to take any risk; that was why we decided to shut down.

“It had happened before that robbers attacked us and we don’t want to experience it again. So, maybe if the coast is clear tomorrow (Thursday), we will open. But we will load our ATMs with money so that customers can go and withdraw. Customers should bear with us.”

Some bank customers in the area, particularly those who wanted to deposit money, expressed disappointment over the development, saying it had affected their businesses negatively.

A customer, Michael Bello, appealed to security agents to beef up security in the area.

“It is unfortunate that this is happening in this area, but we have to appeal to the government and the security agencies to be up and doing in the area of the security of lives and property in Akoko land,” he stated.

The Police Area Commander for Ikare Akoko, ASP Razak Rauf, who confirmed the incident, said his men would not relent in their efforts to secure lives and property.

He said the police were already patrolling the major roads in the four local government areas, while surveillance teams were also on the ground.