…PRIME SUSPECTS HANDED OVER TO MILITARY POLICE
Eight days after the closure of Banex Plaza, Abuja following an unprovoked attack by unidentified hoodlums on Nigerian Army personnel, the plaza has been reopened for business.
Trouble erupted at the Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday, 18th May 2024, and was closed down on Sunday 19 May 2024.
In response to this incident, a high-level meeting was convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser including the Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, the Commissioner of Police FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services, the Leadership and Management of Banex Plaza, a Representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association.
According to the Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said in Abuja on Monday that the primary objective was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory.
After the meeting, it was resolved among others; the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza: Banex Plaza to the public and closure of Shop C93 while the leadership of Banex Plaza is instructed to lock up Shop C93 with immediate effect.
Also, the arrest of the perpetrators of the owners of the shop who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldiers and handed over to the Nigerian Police.
In addition, the market leaders are to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities.
Meanwhile, the two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.
It was further disclosed that the Nigerian Army will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.
Gen Nwachukwu further reiterated that acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order.
“We, therefore, urge members of the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.
“There are established channels for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.
The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work diligently to prevent such incidents in the future.
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