CITIZENS COMPASS– A resident of Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, James Auta, has narrated how he lost his pregnant wife to scarcity of the new Naira notes.
Speaking with journalists after the tragic incident, he said the wife died on Monday, January 30, 2023 at the point of delivery.
According to him, the woman died after her husband’s failed attempts to withdraw the new notes to pay the advance medical bills.
The widow who lamented the incident, said that on the fateful day, he took his wife to the hospital, where the doctor demanded payment before examining her.
He said: “
I rushed to my bank to withdraw money, but I was told there was none. When the new currency was issued, most POS operators shut up their business centers, so when I went back looking for them, I was unable to locate any.
He added that because he was unable to access his money, the couple made the decision to return home and put their faith in God for a safe delivery.
Sadly, things went from bad to worse for them.
At about 11 p.m., my wife’s fell into labour. I contacted a nurse in our community since I was unable to withdraw any money. However, blood was pouring out nonstop when my wife gave birth. All of the nurse’s attempts to stop the bleeding were unsuccessful, he recounted in saying that he lost his pregnant wife because of his failure to obtain new naira notes to meet the demands of the local doctor.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had introduced the newly redesigned N200, N500 and N1000 denominations across the country.
The apex bank had also directed commercial banks to fill their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with the newly redesigned naira notes.
However, compliance is yet to be achieved as business owners and residents, lament the scarcity.
The apex bank through its Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, stated that all banks are to accept the deposit of old Naira notes without charge and load ATMs with the redesigned banknotes.
The CBN also extended the deadline for the exchange of the old banknotes for the newly redesigned ones to 10th February.
Citizens Compass reports that the Department Of State Services (DSS) has arrested some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the newly redesigned naira notes.
Peter Afunanya, the DSS Spokesperson,, said in a statement on Monday that syndicates connived with some commercial bank officials and were arrested during the secret police’s operation across the country.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has intercepted some members of organised syndicates involve /d in the sale of the newly redesigned naira notes,” the statement reads.
