Following the relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown in Kaduna State,
banks’ customers in the early hours of Wednesday flooded different banks
across the state for various transactions.
Though, no customer was granted access into the banking premises, it
was observed that, as early as 6.30 am on Wednesday, many customers had
already flooded the banking gates even as they refused to observe social
distancing.
Many customers who intended to withdraw cash with their ATM cards
were frustrated as they met empty ATM machines without cash in them.
Disturbed by the failure of the banks to load money into ATM machines
by management of the banks, some customers vowed to remain there until
they withdraw cash.
Newsmen observed that First bank, Zenith bank, Polaris, Stanbic
IBTC , and United Bank for Africa, all in Kaduna South Local Government
Area were attending to customers in a row of 10-20 at their various
gates.
At the Zenith bank in Kakuri, canopies were mounted and customers sat under them with the observation of social distancing.
Many customers who went to withdraw from ATMs, however, expressed disappointment over the empty ATM machines.
According to a customer, Mr. Andrew Johnson, ”I came to withdraw as
early as 6.00am this money to buy foodstuff, but unfortunately, there
was no money in the bank.
” I must remain here until the bank loads money. If I go home now, what will I tell my family?” he asked.
Also, lamenting for meeting an empty ATM machine, Dr. Joshep Morenike
of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital who wanted to withdraw but
met empty ATM said, he received alert of his April salary evening of
Tuesday, only to meet empty ATMs.
His words: ”I am supposed to perform an operation on a patient this
morning, but I am here struggling with ATM. What kind of disappointment
is this?” he expressed angrily.
Although, efforts to meet Operational Officers of the various banks
failed as security men did not allow journalists inside the banking
premises, a staff of one of the banks who spoke on condition of
anonymity said, bank staff were inside working.
According to him, ”at the right time, the ATMs will be loaded with money for customers to withdraw.”