By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—AHEAD of the Christmas festivities, the people of Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, are facing serious financial hardship, following the failure by the two banks operating in the area to commence operations after the robbery incident in the banks that claimed four lives.

It will be recalled that armed bandits attacked the banks operating in the area last month killing four persons while many were left wounded.

The banks have refused to commence operations since then due to what Vanguard learnt was alleged inadequate security in the area.

Consequently, people now travel for not less than 40 minutes to the neighouring Auchi, in Etsako West council to make bank transactions which has inflicted more anguish as many of them are robbed between Igarra and Auchi Road almost on a daily basis without any resistance from security agencies.

While the people appealed to the police and the Army in Auchi to beef up security in the Igarra so that the banks can commence services, the President, Edo North branch of Bankers Association, Bash Sanusi, noted that security of the banks is as important as their services, adding that “The people are scared because of the robbery incident in which lives were lost.”