Military Maintains Banex Siege Despite Outcry

Soldiers have maintained a blockade at Banex Plaza in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, six days after a violent confrontation between traders and military personnel.

During a visit to the market on Friday evening, Nigeria News 247‘s correspondent observed soldiers stationed throughout the plaza.

The conflict arose when thugs attacked soldiers involved in a dispute with a trader at the plaza. Allegedly, the trader had sold a faulty phone to an individual who then called in the soldiers. Instead of peacefully resolving the situation, the trader reportedly enlisted thugs to assault the military personnel.

At least two soldiers and a civilian were targeted by a group of assailants who divided into smaller units to physically assault them.

Despite police intervention, the soldiers later retaliated by forcefully closing down the plaza, prompting traders to cease operations immediately.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army spokesperson, announced on Tuesday that the plaza closure was necessary to identify and apprehend the criminals responsible for the violent incident that occurred on Saturday.

Following a regrettable incident, a meeting was held with Banex Plaza management to identify and capture those responsible for the crime. The plaza’s operations were temporarily suspended to catch the troublemakers who have been causing security issues in the Banex area.

This action is part of a larger effort to thoroughly investigate the incident and prevent similar attacks in the future, with a focus on ensuring the safety of the Federal Capital Territory. The Nigerian Army will also investigate why its personnel were present during the attack at the plaza.

Human rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN) strongly opposed the military’s actions and urged the Nigerian Army to end their occupation of the popular electronics market.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Falana criticized the military authorities for justifying their actions instead of reprimanding the soldiers responsible for closing down the market.

He emphasized that neither the Constitution nor the Armed Forces Act grants the Nigerian Army the authority to investigate criminal offenses involving civilians who are not subject to military law.

Falana stressed that it is crucial for the armed forces to understand that in a society governed by the rule of law, both institutions and individuals are not allowed to take matters into their own hands. As a result, General Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, must ensure that Banex Plaza is reopened promptly.

The soldiers who were assaulted at the market should consider filing charges against those who attacked them. Retired General Lucky Irabor, a former Chief of Defence Staff, supported the military’s actions.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Irabor emphasized the seriousness of the Banex incident. He stated that any attack on a uniformed officer, whether armed or not, is an attack on the state and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. He expressed his support for closing Banex Plaza until those responsible for the attack are brought to justice to prevent chaos. The presidency and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ministry have chosen not to comment on this matter.