The Nigerian Army temporarily closed Banex Plaza in Abuja to arrest hoodlums who attacked two soldiers. The soldiers were unarmed and visiting to resolve a phone complaint.
The Nigerian Army has announced the temporary closure of Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, following an attack on two soldiers by traders. The incident occurred on Saturday when the soldiers visited the plaza to address a complaint about a phone, leading to an altercation with traders. Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation caused widespread panic, prompting many shop owners and traders to close their businesses to avoid potential reprisals.
On Monday, military personnel arrived in five Hilux vehicles and sealed off the plaza. Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that the assaulted soldiers were unarmed and did not provoke the traders. He explained that the temporary closure was necessary to facilitate the arrest of the perpetrators and ensure the security of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nwachukwu stated, "In response to this unfortunate incident, a meeting was convened with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act. The temporary shutdown aims to ensure that the hoodlums using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary are apprehended."
The investigation aims to prevent further attacks on military personnel and other security operatives, highlighting similar incidents in other areas. The army's action underscores the serious implications of violence against military personnel, which could lead to a breakdown of law and order and pose significant threats to national security. The closure of Banex Plaza is a proactive measure to restore order and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
