The police command in Akwa Ibom has announced the arrest of 15 people over the alleged destruction of banks in the Oron council area.

Police spokesman Odiko MacDon confirmed the arrest to journalists in Oron on Sunday.

“We received information that some banks were attacked in Oron local government, and the police immediately swung into action. As we speak, about 15 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident,” Mr MacDon said.

The attack occurred on Friday when some youths protested the scarcity of naira notes.

“The commissioner of police, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, expressed sadness about the situation and directed divisional police officers in the affected local governments to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order,” he said.

According to Mr MacDon, the police commissioner called on residents to be law-abiding as anyone caught vandalising public property would be dealt with decisively.

He explained that the police would do everything possible to ensure that Akwa Ibom remained one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Residents are concerned that banks in the area might not open on Monday following a directive by the union of bank employees to members not to go to work where there were attacks.

(NAN)