Pockets of riots have broken out across Lagos and Port Harcourt over the pains encountered by citizens over the scarcity of new naira notes.
In Lagos, violence was witnessed in Agege, Ikorodu, Igando, Iyana Ipaja and other parts of the city. According to eyewitness reports said disagreements between commercial drivers and touts led to the skirmishes.
It was said that the touts refused to collect old naira notes while the drivers insisted they had no new ones. On the other hand, passengers too engaged drivers in arguments over the acceptability of old naira notes.
President Mohammadu Buhari had in a broadcast said only old N200 notes are still legal tender. While the N500 and N1000 notes seized to be.
In Port Harcourt, some residents on Friday took to the streets to protest the Federal Government’s monetary policy.
The epicentre was the popular and busy Mile three market along Ikwerre road in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
The protest, however, turned violent a few minutes later, as hoodlums who are always available in the market area seized the opportunity to forcefully dispossess people of their property.
Shops were also burgled and the windshields of cars along the streets were smashed.
Passersby and drivers were also said to be injured by the hoodlums.
The ugly incident has halted commercial activities in the once busy area, as shops are now closed and the road deserted following fear that the protest may escalate.
The Rivers State Police command is yet to comment on the issue as calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko went unreplied, while the Commissioner of Police responded with “I can’t talk now” via text message.
However, at the time of filling in this report, a meeting between the CP and the Navy Commander is ongoing, though we are unable to verify if it is related to the ongoing disturbance.
Governor Nyesom Wike during a media chat yesterday called for calm in the state, saying it is important for residents to keep the state safe.
