Banks close shops over security threats in Imo

Bank customers  in Okigwe  town , Imo State are passing through hard times as banks in the emerging town have remained shut since  two weeks ago following alleged threats by criminals to raid them.Reports have it that after soldiers  who were drafted to the town at the height of kidnapping and insecurity about four years ago were withdrawn, security situation in the town became an issue of public concern.A resident who pleaded not to be mentioned for security reasons said all banks in Okigwe had remained closed about two weeks ago when soldiers were withdrawn from the town.
He said that banks in the area alleged that they got  ‘love letters’ from robbers that they would soon visit them to pick their Christmas gifts.The rumour according to him caused panic among banks operating in the area as they quickly closed their doors against all visitors, a development that forced their customers to either go to Owerri or Umuahia for bank transactions.Another resident who also pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that residents of the town had been living in fears since soldiers pulled out, and pleaded with government to come to their rescue.He said security situation in the town was increasingly becoming frenzy following rumours of imminent attack by robbers.

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