The Army announced its decision to reopen Banex Plaza in Abuja following constructive deliberations with stakeholders.
Maj.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesperson, conveyed this development in a statement issued on Monday.
The plaza had been closed on Saturday, May 18, following a physical altercation between some traders and soldiers over the sale of phones.
Gen. Nwachukwu elucidated that in response to the incident, a high-level meeting was convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser, attended by the Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, Commissioner of Police FCT, FCT Director of the Department of State Services, 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 this gathering was “to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory.”
He outlined the agreed-upon resolutions: immediate reopening of Banex Plaza, immediate closure of chop C93, apprehension of the shop owners who instigated the mob attack on the soldier and their handover to the Nigerian Police, and a call for market leaders to maintain vigilance and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities.
“Following resolutions were agreed upon: immediate reopening of Banex Plaza, immediate closure of chop C93, arrest owners of the shop those who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldier and handed over to the Nigerian Police, market leaders are to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities,” he said.
Regarding the incident, Nwachukwu stated that two soldiers implicated had been arrested and handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further investigation and action.
The Army pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack. Nwachukwu emphasised, “Acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order.”
He urged the public to exercise caution and restraint in their interactions with military personnel and other security operatives, particularly when they are in uniform. Nwachukwu highlighted the importance of utilising established channels for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect the nation.
