Some Nigerians have protested the unavailability of the new naira notes in mile 12 and Agege Area of Lagos State.
Hoodlums took over major roads, attacking Commuters, and the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT).
The protesters stormed Mile-12, Ketu, Ojota area, along Ikorodu Road, and Iyana-Ipaja around 6.am before it spread to other areas like Agege and Iyana-Iba.
They blocked main roads and set up bonfires in affected areas.
Motorists and residents who were on their way to different places of work hurriedly turned back in panic as the rioters went berserk with bonfires set across the road.
Vehicles coming from Ikorodu could not go beyond Mile 12 bridge as they hurriedly made U-turns to their destinations.
Though, the presence of the combined Military and the Policemen of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, at the scene did not deter the protesters as they engaged the security men in confrontation.
Unrest happening around Oke-Koto Agege Inwards Sofunde and Agbotikuyo between Suspected Hoodlums.
Please be careful.@Gidi_Traffic #agege #mainland #ojota #mile12 pic.twitter.com/nvKvqqMVCk
— SamNews (@Samnews101) February 17, 2023
However, most vehicles were turned back to Ikorodu including Bus Rapid Transit, BRT buses.
“Likewise, public buses are not working in Igando. This morning disturbances are all about the currency issues,” an eyewitness, Mrs. Ronke Alimi, told newsmen.
Protest going on at okekoto Agege due to naira policy issue.@Gidi_Traffic #agege #ojota #mile12 pic.twitter.com/4IrpuA683y
— SamNews (@Samnews101) February 17, 2023
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed that the initial unrest that broke out at the Mile 12 area of Lagos State is under control.
The State Police PRO also confirmed that free movement has been restored to the area.
Recall that similar incidents were earlier recorded in Edo, Oyo, and Ogun States, with a number of casualties.
It would also be recalled that President Muhammdu Buhari had yesterday ordered that the deadline on the use of the old N1000 and N500 notes remains.
He said only the N200 note would circulate alongside the new notes.