Some commercial banks in Offa, Kwara, yesterday began skeletal services after an armed robbery attack forced them to close shop about six weeks ago.

The attack on the banks had led to the killing of no fewer 10 people while an unspecified amount of money was carted away by the robbers. The Offa branch of the Kwara Bankers Forum had on Jan. 27 directed the banks to reopen for business.

Mr Monday Olotewo, the branch Controller of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gave the directive on behalf of the forum in Ilorin. He said the banks in Offa were being re-opened because the community had shown commitment to curb insecurity in the area.

Olotewo told newsmen that the forum also agreed to lift the restriction on banking hours in Ilorin.

A visit to the premises of the banks in Offa by newsmen revealed a partial compliance with the directive as only few of the banks were offering skeletal services.

Some of the commercial banks located at  Owode market and Taiwo road in the town were seen attending to customers as early as 9.a.m. on Tuesday. 
It was gathered that many of the buildings belonging to banks affected by the robbery incident were yet to be renovated.

A manager in one of the banks told newsmen on condition of anonymity that he was still expecting an official directive for the bank to start full business transactions.

"We are still expecting an official communication from our headquarters to enable us begin full transactions because the initial directive to close down actually emanated from them in the first place,'' the source said.

Mr Philip Onde, a customer and dealer in electronics, said the closure impacted negatively on his business. (NAN)