New Naira Notes: Edo youths go gaga after banks refuse exchange; 1 reported dead

As Nigeria is thrown into turmoil due to the shortage of the new naira note, anger spilt among youths on Wednesday, 15 February, in Benin City, Edo State, South Nigeria.

The city was in severe pandemonium following the violent protest that erupted in the early hours of Wednesday.

As early as 6 am, some persons besieged most of the banks in Benin City to withdraw money via the Automated Machine (ATM).

More trouble started after the commercial Bank rejected the old naira notes from its customers, urging them to exchange them directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

After an effort to withdraw money from the ATM failed, customers lost their tempers and destroyed the machine.

Other disappointed customers attack the banking facilities, leading to the destruction of properties running into millions.

The security agents attached to the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin city were helpless as hundreds of angry protesters entered the Bank.

Canisters and live gun bullets were fired freely along Akpakpava road in Benin city while one person was confirmed dead.

The situation made many banks in Benin city shut down hurriedly.

The Edo state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, could not confirm the exact figure of persons who died during the protest.

He, however, promised to get back to reporters for more details.

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