Chaos At Heritage Bank Calabar As Customers Storm To Retrieve Funds

A scene of pandemonium unfolded at the Heritage Bank headquarters in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday morning, as hundreds of customers converged on the premises, demanding access to their deposits.

The bank’s licence revocation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday sparked widespread concern among customers, leading to a frantic rush to withdraw funds.

The crowd, comprising anxious depositors, gathered outside the bank’s entrance as early as 7:00 am, only to find the doors locked. The blocked entrance exacerbated their distress, with some customers already in tears. The tension was further heightened by an anonymous notice circulating among the crowd, alerting them to the bank’s licence revocation.

Amidst the chaos, a bank official attempted to assuage the crowd’s fears, assuring them that their funds would be transferred to other accounts linked to their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) starting from Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The official urged the customers to return home, promising a swift resolution to the situation.

The CBN’s decision to revoke Heritage Bank’s operational licence followed the bank’s failure to improve its financial status, despite warnings.

This move has raised concerns about the safety of customer deposits, prompting the frantic rush to withdraw funds.

As the situation unfolded, customers expressed frustration and anxiety, fearing potential losses.

The scene at the bank’s premises was chaotic, with customers desperate to access their funds.

The development has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, highlighting the need for increased vigilance in the banking sector.

In the wake of this development, the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has assured depositors that their funds will be paid promptly, exceeding the legal stipulation of 30 days.

The NDIC’s swift intervention aims to maintain confidence in the banking system and protect depositors’ interests.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook