Banex Plaza Shut down is to prevent further excalation of violence – Army
In the wake of recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday, 18 May 2024, an incident involving a brutal attack on Nigerian Army personnel by unidentified hoodlums necessitated swift intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties. Their timely actions prevented further escalation and rescued the attacked personnel from a potential lynching.
In a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Oyemana Nwachukwu, the Army said “it is crucial to highlight that the soldiers involved in the incident were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone. Thus, the violent treatment they received was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.”
In response to the incident, a meeting was held with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. As part of the efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Federal Capital Territory, activities at the plaza have been temporarily shut down. This measure aims to apprehend hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary.
The closure will allow for an extensive investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the mayhem. The goal is to ensure the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on military personnel and other security operatives, similar to the unfortunate attack in Okuama.
The Nigerian Army is committed to diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack. Acts of violence against military personnel are condemnable and pose significant risks to law and order, potentially threatening national security.
The Nigerian Army urges the public to exercise caution and restraint in interactions 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. Utilizing these channels is essential for maintaining order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.
Banex Plaza Shut down is to prevent further excalation of violence – Army