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Closure Of Bannex Plaza: Nigerian Army Responds To Unfortunate Attack
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.
Another explosion occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.
This incident follows a similar explosion that shook the Trans Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell, in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area just hours earlier.
The latest explosion reportedly took place at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline deep within the forest, which transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
While the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed, community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the oil installation in the forest.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that she would investigate the incident but had not provided a response at the time of this report.
A video obtained by our correspondent displays a large fire burning in a remote location.
In a separate development, Ijaw youths blocked the Ahoada section of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State on Tuesday in protest.
The demonstrators, numbering over 100, carried placards in solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his political dispute with the state House of Assembly. Some of the placards read: “We demand Wike’s dismissal as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the House had on Thursday last week, considered and approved the report of the House Committee on Finance which made some recommendations, particularly in controversial areas such as the Value Added Tax and inheritance tax.
While awaiting the Senate to similarly pass the bills, the proposed reforms are expected to be transmitted to the President for his assent in the days ahead.
Details shortly…
Two members of the house of representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, announced the defections in a letter read on the floor of the lower legislative chamber on Tuesday.
More to follow…