The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented precautionary measures to guard against potential future attacks on commercial banks in Benue State. This action was prompted by a recent armed robbery incident that targeted several banks in Otukpo town, Benue State, which occurred on Friday, October 20, 2023.
The CBN introduced these measures during an emergency meeting held with the management of the affected banks in the capital of Benue State, Makurdi.
According to a statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the CBN made several decisions. One of these decisions is the directive that “all banks and their branches across the state should immediately adjust their business hours to operate from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday, until January 30, 2024.” At that time, a review of the security situation will be conducted at the Bankers Committee, and adjustments may be made accordingly.
The statement also mentioned an increase in support for Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to two hundred thousand naira (N200,000.00) for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), and an increase to five hundred thousand naira (N500,000.00) for the CBN. Each bank has been instructed to make these payments by October 27, 2023.