The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday said commercial banks in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State that were closed to customers in May 2013, might be re-opened soon.
The state’s Branch Controller of the Apex bank, Mr Monday Olotewo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the latest commitment by the Omu-Aran community to ensure the security of the banks and their staff was laudable.
A series of robbery attacks between January and May 2013, led to the indefinite closure of more than three commercial banks operating in the ancient town.
The closure had created hardship and forced residents to travel more than 60 kilometres for their banking transactions in adjoining communities.
Olotewo said the Kwara Bankers Committee was in Omu-Aran recently, where the community donated two Hilux vehicles to security operatives to assist in proper policing of the town.
“The committee believes that the donation will go a long way to help the police to patrol the town effectively. It also means that the community is concerned about the security of the town.
“It is a precarious situation for us in the banking sector, particularly the CBN, to continue to witness indefinite closure of bank branches as a result of incessant armed robbery attacks.
“The closure has seriously affected the economic fortune of the town, the banks are wary of re-opening because they feel enough security had not been provided,” Olotewo said.
The CBN branch controller commended the efforts and concern of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) and the traditional ruler of the town, the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye.
Residents of the town have contributed money to assist security operatives deployed to the community in the wake of the robberies.
