The Nigerian Army has addressed the closure of Banex Plaza in Abuja, which has been locked down since hoodlums assaulted soldiers there on Saturday,Daily Trust reports.
The incident occurred when soldiers, accompanying a complainant to the plaza, were attacked by a mob that split into groups. Although police intervened to restore order, soldiers later returned in vans and secured the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army spokesperson, explained that the plaza was temporarily closed to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“Following the recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, where unidentified hoodlums brutally attacked Nigerian Army personnel, a swift response by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties salvaged the situation and rescued the attacked personnel from being lynched,” Nwachukwu said.
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He noted that the soldiers were unarmed, posed no threat, and engaged in no aggression, making the attack on them entirely unjustifiable.
“In response to this incident, a meeting was held with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Activities at the plaza were temporarily shut down to ensure the hoodlums, who have been using the Banex area as a sanctuary and posing a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory, are apprehended,” he continued.
Nwachukwu emphasized that this measure allows for a thorough investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the mayhem and to ensure the security of the Federal Capital Territory. The investigation aims to prevent such unwarranted attacks on security personnel, as seen in other areas, such as the recent attack in Okuama.
“The Nigerian Army will also investigate the circumstances surrounding the personnel’s presence at the plaza and the ensuing attack. Acts of violence against personnel are condemnable and could lead to a breakdown of law and order, threatening national security,” he stated.
The Army urged the public to exercise caution and restraint when dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. Established channels exist for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel, and it is imperative to use these channels to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect the nation.
