The Akwa Ibom State Police command said it has arrested 15 persons in connection with attacks on some commercial banks in the Oron Local Government Area of the state.
Angry customers had in a bid to express their resentment over the scarcity of naira notes on Friday destroyed facilities in some bank branches.
Sources from the area revealed that property of no fewer than three banks located along Oron Road and a cold room were destroyed during the riot.
One of the sources said, “There is fear in Oron that banks may not open on Monday. It is being speculated on a WhatsApp platform that the banks have directed their staff members not to come to work because of the attack on their facility last Friday.
“Apart from the bank where the incident started, the angry protesters also went and destroyed a cold room belonging to a prominent politician, carted away the fish and every other edible inside.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Odiko MacDon, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that about 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
He said, “We received information that some banks were attacked in Oron Local Government and the police immediately swung into action. As we speak, about 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, expressed sadness about the situation and has directed the DPOs in the affected local government to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order.
“The CP also warned the citizens that as long as they have a right to ventilate their feelings about the hardship in the country, they should do so within the ambit of the law, and not go about destroying public property.
“The police will do everything to ensure that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.”
