Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, has been temporarily closed following a violent incident involving Nigerian Army personnel and unidentified assailants on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
The altercation saw unarmed soldiers brutally attacked by hoodlums, prompting a swift response from soldiers and police officers on internal security duties who managed to rescue the besieged personnel.
The Nigerian Army, emphasizing that the soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat, condemned the attack as entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.
The attackers remain unidentified, and the incident has prompted heightened security measures and an extensive investigation.
A meeting with Banex Plaza management has led to the plaza’s temporary closure.
This measure aims to facilitate the apprehension of the perpetrators, who are believed to be using the area as a sanctuary, posing a significant security threat to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The investigation seeks to uncover both immediate and underlying causes of the unrest, aiming to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of security personnel and civilians alike.
This incident follows a similar attack in Okuama, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence against security forces.
The Nigerian Army has committed to a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the presence of their personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.
They urge the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military and other security operatives, emphasizing the importance of using established channels to report grievances or misconduct.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, reiterated that acts of violence against security personnel threaten national security and must be condemned unequivocally.
He called for public cooperation to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect the nation.
As the investigation proceeds, Banex Plaza remains closed, with authorities focusing on restoring security and preventing further incidents.
LV