Despite Security Assurances, Banks In Ijebu Still Apprehensive

The Central Bank of Nigeria

Despite the reassurances of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and top security chiefs to commercial banks in Ijebu Ode and its axis that they could reopen for full operations as the state is adequately prepared to defend them, bankers are still vacillating on reopening fully.

Prince Dapo Abiodun yesterday assured the banks, especially those in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Sagamu Local Government Areas, of adequate security, insisting that government has improved on strategies that would make the State safer, particularly around banking cluster areas.

However, information gathered by our correspondent confirmed that what these bankers wanted from government is more than assurances on security.

The bankers not only want security operatives outside their respective banks but also a number of them in the banking hall fully armed and battle ready for any eventuality.

Banks in Ijebu Ode and its environs have been apprehensive to open for full operations for about a couple of weeks now for fear of armed robbers who they claimed have written to the bankers that they are coming to raid the banks.

But at the stakeholder’s meeting with the bankers, security chiefs and others in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, implored bank officials and customers to go about their normal activities without any apprehension, saying necessary support had been given to security agencies including the Nigerian Army to foil and combat crimes.

"I want to assure our bankers, most especially from the Ijebu and Remo axis of government’s commitment to fully open for operations, because banks remain the heart of commerce in any State. We are confident that they can go about their businesses without any fear or apprehension", he assured

In their separate remarks, the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barrack, Abeokuta, Brigadier General, Adewale Adekoya, State Director, Department of State Services, Mr. David Tulsa and Acting Commissioner of Police, Ogun Command, DCP Abiodun Alamutu also buoyed up the morale of the bankers saying they have the constitutional role to aid civil authority and pledging their cooperation to discharge their duties accordingly.

In his remark, the Chairman Banker’s Forum, Mr. Olusegun Olusoga appreciated the government for responding to their request by beefing up security along the axis.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), hinted that the meeting was conveyed to look into security issues in Ijebu axis and the safety of the banks, staff and the people in that area.