Over the weekend, Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, found itself plunged into financial distress as numerous commercial bank ATMs failed to dispense cash, leaving frustrated customers in a bind. A DAILY POST investigation revealed a city-wide struggle, with ATMs standing empty and customers grappling with inconvenience. This recurrence of ATM troubles echoes a similar predicament in the first quarter of 2023, exacerbating the woes of residents like Dele Ajayi.
Facing an urgent situation, Ajayi bemoaned the lack of cash despite the presence of his ATM card. The issue extended across various banks, hitting locations such as Gbongan-Ibadan road, Oke-Fia, Station Road, and Igbona axis of Osogbo.
Customers like David Olayinka resorted to Point Of Sale (POS) agents, only to encounter further challenges. Olayinka recounted his ordeal, where he had to engage multiple POS agents due to withdrawal limits, incurring extra charges. The frustration escalated as POS agents, too, voiced concerns over slashed daily withdrawals by commercial banks. Some agents disclosed turning to unconventional sources like petrol attendants, commercial motorcyclists, and traders for cash.
Adedayo Azeez, a POS agent, questioned the rationale behind the banks' withdrawal limits, pointing out the adverse impact during the festive season. As Osun grapples with this cash crisis, residents anxiously await solutions to alleviate their financial struggles