In an extraordinary turn of events, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia encountered a system glitch that led to an unexpected windfall for many customers. Ethiopian patrons found themselves flocking to ATMs in droves to withdraw what seemed like free money, sparking both awe and controversy.

The glitch, which allowed individuals to withdraw funds without any limit, resulted in a flurry of transactions. Students, in particular, seized the opportunity, taking advantage of the system malfunction to access funds they didn’t have in their accounts.

As hours passed, the glitch persisted, allowing over $40 million to be withdrawn before the bank could rectify the issue. Shockingly, nearly half a million transactions occurred during this period, highlighting the scale of the incident.

Despite the significant sums withdrawn, the bank clarified that the glitch was not the result of hacking. However, it raised questions about the bank’s security measures and system reliability.

In the aftermath of the incident, schools have urged students to return the money they withdrew, emphasizing the importance of integrity and ethical conduct. The bank, too, has appealed to customers to return the excess funds, assuring them that they won’t face legal repercussions.

The incident has sparked debates about whether the actions of those who withdrew the money constitute theft or if they were merely taking advantage of a fortuitous opportunity. Regardless, it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on automated systems and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.