Following the reloca
tion of all the four Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside its premises by the First Bank, Ahoada branch, customers to the bank have accused the authorities of insensitivity in relation to their security.
A cross section of the customers who spoke to our correspondent at the weekend said with the prevailing security challenges in recent times in the area, the policy of moving all the four ATMs outside the bank premises was worrisome.
According to Paul Uchenna, a businessman, the development was capable of attracting hoodlums to attack customers, especially those involved in making late night withdrawals.
He said with the policy by banks for customers to use the ATM for withdrawals of N100,000 and below, customers were at the mercy of criminal elements.
For Madam Joyce Ede, the insecurity of customers using the ATMs could no longer be guaranteed.
She said when the machines were inside the bank premises, customers felt secure due to the presence of the bank security personnel and armed police officers.
However, for Mr. Justice Oku, the development was not favourable to him as he plans to close his account with the bank.
According to him, his wife also has an account with the bank even as he said he would prevail on her to close her account also.
Before going to press, efforts to speak with the Branch Manager of the bank was not successful, but a source at the customer service unit which asked not to be named said the customers had nothing to fear.
According to him, the security unit of the bank was aware of the security challenges the policy poses to its numerous customers even as he said the security people would rise to the occasion, adding that they were on 24 hours duty.
It could be recalled that The Tide had earlier reported customers’ dismay of the functioning of the bank’s ATMs despite the additional machines.