A protest over the scarcity of new Naira notes turned violent in Benin City, with one person killed as demonstrators stormed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in the city.
The protest had been organized to demand greater access to new Naira notes, which have been in short supply, causing long lines and difficulties for those trying to conduct transactions.
The protest began peacefully, with demonstrators marching through the streets of Benin City and gathering outside the CBN branch and banks. However, tensions quickly escalated as the crowd grew more agitated and began attempting to force their way into buildings.
According to eyewitnesses, police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and live ammunition. One protester was reportedly shot and killed, while several others were injured. A video of the incident has circulated on social media, showing the chaos and violence that ensued.
The scarcity of new Naira notes has been a growing concern for many Nigerians, who have faced difficulties in accessing the currency they need to conduct their daily business. The CBN had introduced the new notes in an effort to combat counterfeiting, but limited availability has made it difficult for many citizens to obtain them.
The incident in Benin City underscores the urgent need for the CBN and other financial institutions to address this issue and ensure that citizens have access to the currency they need.
The violent nature of the protest and the resulting fatality is a tragedy, and calls for a peaceful and constructive dialogue between citizens and government.
The Nigerian government has an obligation to uphold the right to peaceful protest and to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. The incident in Benin City should serve as a wake-up call for the government and financial institutions to work together to address the concerns of citizens and restore public trust in the country’s financial system.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the protest will continue or if the situation will calm down. However, it is clear that the issue of new Naira notes scarcity is one that requires urgent attention and action. Citizens are calling for transparency and accountability from the CBN and other financial institutions, and it is up to them to take the necessary steps to address these concerns and restore public trust.
Up to Wednesday, February 15th, the ongoing protest has caused disruptions in various states across the southern region of Nigeria.
