Banex Plaza, a prominent shopping center in Abuja, has reopened after a week-long closure, marking the end of a tense period that disrupted business activities in the area.
Banex Plaza, a major shopping complex in Abuja, is known for being a central hub for various business activities and attracting large crowds. The plaza was shut down due to clashes between soldiers and traders.
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, an incident occurred involving soldiers who were accompanying a customer with a complaint about a phone purchase. They were attacked by unidentified individuals, leading to the plaza’s closure on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
A high-level meeting was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser to address the issue. Attendees included the Principal Staff General Officer to the NSA, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services, the leadership and management of Banex Plaza, a representative from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association.
The main goals were to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the ongoing security of the Federal Capital Territory. The following resolutions were reached:
1. Immediate reopening of Banex Plaza: The plaza was reopened to the public without delay.
2. Closure of Shop C93: Shop C93 was ordered to be locked up immediately.
3. Arrest of Perpetrators: The shop owners responsible for orchestrating the mob attack were to be arrested and handed over to the Nigerian Police.
4. Vigilance by market leaders: Market leaders were instructed to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities.
Two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.
The Nigerian Army will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack. Acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order.
The public is urged to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. Established channels exist for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities.