The closure of the popular Banex Plaza in Wuse Abuja was a necessary response by the Nigerian Army to a brutal attack on some of its personnel by unidentified individuals at the plaza, the authority said.
The incident occurred on May 18 and stemmed from a disagreement over a phone.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, revealed that a meeting was held with the management of Banex Plaza to address the issue and apprehend the perpetrators. As a result, it was agreed that the plaza would be temporarily closed to ensure the capture of the hoodlums who had been using the area as a safe haven to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory.
Thanks to the swift intervention of soldiers and policemen on internal security duties, the situation was brought under control, and the attacked personnel were rescued from the clutches of the hoodlums. It is important to note that the soldiers were unarmed and did not engage in any aggressive behavior or pose a threat to anyone.
Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the incident. This investigation aims to enhance the security of the Federal Capital Territory and prevent unwarranted attacks on military personnel and other security operatives, as observed in other areas, such as 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 ensuing attack. Acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also have the potential to escalate and threaten national security.
Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu urged the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, particularly when they are in uniform. There are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by personnel can be reported to the appropriate authorities. It is crucial to utilize these channels to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.
