Sporadic Gunshots As Protests Rock Ibadan Metropolis Over Naira Scarcity

By Bode Akinbode, Ibadan

Sporadic gunshots rented the air in some parts of Ibadan metropolis as security agents repelled angry protesters who took to the streets to protest over naira scarcity occasioned by the recent Central Bank Of Nigeria policy and the Federal government decision on the redesigned new naira notes which has been beyond the reach of the average Nigerian.

Security agencies including soldiers, police, immigration, NSCDC and Correctional Services were stationed at the popular Iwo Road interchange shot sporadically into the air to prevent irate protesters from disrupting vehicular movement as well as commercial activities in the area.

Market stores , offices and some commercial banks in the area hurriedly closed down their businesses as street traders and pedestrians scampered for safety.

Reports reaching CityMirrorNews indicated that the protest commenced around 8am in some parts of the metropolis such as Bode, Molete, Challenge and several parts of the ancient city.

No life has been reported lost as normalcy has gradually been restored as of the press time

Meanwhile, hundreds of costumers whose old N500 and N1,000 naira notes were rejected from their various commercial banks thronged the premises of the Ibadan branch of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday with the intention of depositing the old naira notes which has seized to be legal tender.

The costumers, who have visited the apex bank as early as 7am complained that they were not being attended to as the gates leading to the premises were closed.