3 die as protest hits Edo while people are waiting for form to deposit old naira notes at CBN office

3 Nigerian citizens have lost their lives on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo after a violent protest broke out at the state office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while they were waiting together with over Hundreds of people to collect forms that’ll enable them to deposit their old Naira notes as allegedly directed by the CBN.

Raw Nigeria earlier reported that the CBN had announced guidelines for the deposit of old notes at its offices nationwide, but had not put a deadline date to its announcement.

A Hilux vehicle conveying some officials driving into the CBN’s premises was reportedly prevented from gaining access to the bank by the residents.

The situation subsequently turned violent as some of them (the residents) attacked the vehicle. Responding, soldiers and police vehicles drove out of the bank shooting teargas and firing gunshots. Two persons allegedly died.

The killing led to violent protests across various banks on Akpakpava road in Benin.

Bonfires were started by angry residents along the road.

Some of the residents claimed one middle-aged man also died later, bringing the total number of deaths to three.