Boko Haram threat: Bauchi banks now close 2pm

Commercial banks in Bauchi State are now panicking following alleged reports that members of the Boko Haram sect planned to bomb the financial houses in the state to protest the alleged freezing of the accounts of their late founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the Federal Government.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Mohammed Barau, however, said they were unaware of the development, adding that security had been beefed up in the state to ensure safety of life and property.
Sources said that there had been panic withdrawals even as customers now visit their banks very early for business.

Acclaimed spokesman of the Boko Haram sect and former political thug in Borno State, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, a.k.a Usman Alzawahiri at a news conference at the SSS office, Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

However, it was learnt that most traders now keep their sales proceeds in their shops just as others use other unconventional methods to safeguard their money.
Investigations showed that the allegations of the were rife.
According to a source in a bank, members of Boko Haram sect had sent threat letters to five commercial banks. Altogether those who were not threatened had also become wary of the dreaded group.
’’As a result of the threat letter which was sent to some banks here, everybody has become apprehensive, because those who were not threatened feel unsafe.
’’We have now become afraid, but proactive.
That is why we havenow adjusted the closing hours for banking services from 4pm to 2pm.
’’The banks do not want to take anything for granted, that is why the banking authorities have asked the authorities to beef up security around them, because the Boko Haram people could be on a revenge mission, following the alleged freezing of their accounts by the Federal government’’ the source said.
Source