By Shefiu Adeyemo
Banking activities were on Tuesday paralysed in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital and other notable towns in the state.
This followed a rumour of possible repeat of last Friday attack by suspected armed robbers on an old generation bank in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of the state.
Many of the commercial banks and several commercial outfits operating along Banks road in Ado-Ekiti, the commercial hub of the state, hurriedly closed down for business in order not to be caught unaware from the intending invasion by men of the underworld.
Also, banks in Ikere-Ekiti and other notable towns in the state operated in a skeletal manner and later closed around 1:pm.
Commercial vehicles operators in the affected areas temporarily suspended operations, while they charged higher fares for trips to other parts of the town.
Going round Ado-Ekiti, most of the commercial banks were not operating, while large crowds of people were seen around the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
Although the town was calm, security was however beefed up as regular and mobile policemen from various divisions were seen patrolling the town.
Senior police officers from the Ekiti state police command were seen mobilising their men and placing them in strategic locations in readiness for any onslaught from the robbers.
In the same vein, the police Armoured Personnel Car (APC) of the command was also seen patrolling the town to forestall any possible attack.
However, as at about 10 45 am on Tuesday while filing this report, tension had cooled down, as some business outfits that were shut on Monday had resumed for business, as some banks officials who had earlier closed for business were seen around the premises of their banks; though they were not attending to customers.
Reacting to the development, some of the inhabitants of Ado-Ekiti, expressed serious concern about the security situation which they said should be urgently addressed so that it would not have negative effects on business activities in the town.
A resident of Okeyinmi in Ado-Ekiti Mr Babatunde Ajayi, who claimed to be a teacher described the development as very sad, stating that the inability of the banks to open for business as a result of the development, has affected him as he could not make transactions to meet his urgent need.
When contacted on phone, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ekiti State command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the command has mobilised its men to all nooks and crannies of the state apparently to forestall a repeat of last Thursday attack in Iyin-Ekiti bank.
He urged members of the public to go about their lawful duties without any fear.
He explained that though the police were not aware of any rumour, he urged members of the public to disregard any rumour. However he reiterated the readiness of men and officers of the command to safeguard lives and property of the residents.
