Banex plaza Abuja closure :Nigerian Army assures thorough investigate personnel , subsequent attack 

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Army has assured they would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.

Unidentified hoodlums attacked Nigerian Army personnel at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, which occurred on Saturday 18 May 2024, leading to the closure of the Plaza on Sunday 19 May 2024.

According to the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu , it  must be reiterated that acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order.

“We therefore urge members of the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. There are established channels for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation,” he said.

The Army spokesperson noted that  response to the incident, a high-level meeting was convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser including the Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, Commissioner of Police FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services, the Leadership and Management of Banex Plaza, a Representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association.

The primary objective of the meeting was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory.

They resolved,”  The immediate reopening of Banex Plaza  to the public. The leadership of Banex Plaza is instructed to lock up Shop C93 with immediate effect and the owners of the shop who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldiers are to be arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police.

“Market leaders are to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities. Furthermore, the two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.

‘The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work diligently to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stressed.