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Clashes Erupt in Sagamu Over Naira Scarcity, Politicians Trade Blames

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Irate youths in Sagamu, the headquarters of Sagamu Local Government, Ogun State, took to the streets Monday, protesting the scarcity of new Naira notes. The protest turned violent, with protesters attacking and burning down branches of four commercial banks and other public facilities. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have since traded blames, with the APC accusing the PDP of sponsoring the protest, while the PDP has denied any involvement. The Ogun State government has assured that the perpetrators of the violence will face the full wrath of the law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protest began in front of the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and spread to other parts of the town.
  • The protesters attacked and burnt down branches of Keystone Bank, Union Bank, Polaris Bank, and Access Bank, as well as the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the Sagamu Local Government Secretariat.
  • The protesters also burnt the Sagamu office of the Ibadan Electric Distribution (IBEDC) and made bonfire on Sagamu/Lagos/Benin Expressway.
  • The Ogun State government has denied claims that the protest was a result of the success of the APC rally, which was held in the state over the weekend.
  • The government has instead accused the PDP of sponsoring the protest, while the PDP has denied any involvement.
  • The police have arrested no fewer than 30 persons in connection with the violent protests, and have transferred them to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
  • The Ogun State government has assured that the perpetrators of the violence will face the full wrath of the law.

Statistics:

  • At least 2 commercial bank branches (Keystone and Union banks), 1 INEC office, 1 IBEDC office, and other public facilities were attacked and burnt.
  • Over 30 persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the violent protests.
  • The police have transferred the arrested persons to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
  • The Ogun State government has assured that the perpetrators of the violence will face the full wrath of the law.

Sources:

  • Kunle Somorin (Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State Governor)
  • Kayode Segun-Okeowo (Youth leader in Sagamu)
  • Sikirulahi Ogundele (Ogun State Chairman of the PDP)
  • Abimbola Oyeyemi (Police spokesperson in Ogun State)
  • Frank Mba (Commissioner of Police, Ogun State)

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