Delta communities relieved as UBA re-opens Issele-Uku branch after three -year closure

Over 19 communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday heaved a sigh of relief, following the reopening of the Issele-Uku branch of the United Bank for Africa for operation after three years

Recall that hoodlums had in April 2021 attacked the only bank in the community, located opposite the Issele-Uku market and allegedly carted away an undisclosed sum of money.

A police Inspector, the Issele-Uku vigilante commander and one other were shot dead when the dare-devil armed robbers raided the bank branch.

The robbers were said to have attacked the bank with bullets and dynamites before launching another assault on a police station in the community

However, the residents of the community expressed joy over the reopening of the bank branch for operation.

Thu therefore called on the Chief Security Officer of the local government and the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area to as a matter of urgency not treat security issue with a kid’s glove.

An indigene of the council area, Mr Ike Onuwa, told South-South PUNCH that the reopening of the bank would boost business transactions in the council area.

He said, “We are happy for the reopening of the bank three years after it was shut down because of the incident.

“We have been suffering going to Asaba for bank transactions, but now we can heave a sigh of relief, especially considering the stress and transportation to travel to Asaba just for bank transactions.

“Issele-Uku is a big town with a lot of businesses; more banks should be attracted to the council area with over 19 communities. The council chairman should create an enabling environment, especially for the security of the people.

“What is happening in various communities in the local government is terrible; kidnapping, killings, people are missing, while herdsmen are grazing the livestock in people’s farmland.’’

“If you dare challenge them, your life would be at stake, so we are begging the council chairman to look into security matters in Aniocha North.”

Commending the management of UBA for resuming banking operations in Issele-Uku, the Minority Leader and member representing Aniocha North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, noted that the people had undergone untold hardship over the years just to make financial transactions.

He said, “The experiences of having to go to Asaba or Agbor to do banking transactions were harrowing to the local people. I pray that such instances that will lead to the shutting down of the bank would not arise again.”

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Mr Emma Chinye, assured of the safety of the people and the bank.

He said, “Well, security matter is not something you said in public, but we are doing a lot on security issues around and far away from the bank.

“By God’s grace, we are very sure of the safety of Aniocha North people and the bank.”