Naira Scarcity: Violent Protest Erupts, As Gunshots Fired In Ojota Area Of Lagos

Serious fighting has erupted in Ojota and some other areas along the popular Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway in Lagos  State as people protest against the scarcity of new naira notes and the hardship the policy has caused to Nigerians.

The Lagos State Police Command has already deployed its men to the Ojota, Ketu, and Mile 12 following reports of unrest in the areas.

On Friday morning, residents of the area scampered for safety after some hoodlums took law into their hands, firing gunshots in the streets.

Some motorists coming from Ikorodu had to make a quick turn to avoid being trapped.

“It is true. Our men are there. Reinforcement units have been deployed,” said Mr Benjamin Hudenyin, spokesman Lagos State Police Command.

“Stay safe out there as we closely monitor and manage the situation,” the spokesman of the command, Hudenyin, added.

He, however, assured that free movement of people and vehicles are being restored. “Our officers and men are still on the ground to prevent any breakdown of law and order.”

A few days ago, there were violent protests in some states over the lingering scarcity of currency, caused by the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

READ ALSO: Naira Scarcity: Angry Warri Youths Attack First Bank, Burn Access Bank

President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation on Thursday, calling for calm. He further directed the Central Bank to release the old N200 notes back into circulation to ease the harsh effect of the policy on the citizens.