Many aggrieved customers of Heritage Bank stormed the Calabar branch of the failed bank to demand the payment of their deposits.
The customers, who arrived as early as 7 am at the bank’s Calabar head office entrance, opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Calabar office, threatened to destroy the facility if their deposits were not paid. Some were in tears, lamenting over their savings in the failed bank.
As the standoff continued, an official from Heritage Bank addressed the agitated crowd at around 10 am, urging them to disperse and assuring them that their funds would be transferred to their other bank accounts linked to their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).
READ ALSO: JUST IN: CBN Revokes Heritage Bank’s License Over Financial Stability Concerns
The official appealed for calm, assuring that the bank would commence the exercise on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced on Monday the revocation of the operating licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect. This announcement was issued in a statement by CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali.
The apex bank said the move was in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 (1) of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020. This development caused panic among customers over their deposits.
