Nigerian Army has condemned in strong terms, the unwarranted attack on some soldiers at the Banex Plaza, Abuja on Saturday 18th May 2024, saying that the treatment meted out to them was “cruel”.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Major General Onyema Nwachukwu explained that the soldiers attacked were unarmed and did not engage in any form of aggression nor posed any threat to anyone.
“Therefore, the cruel treatment meted out to them was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.”
The spokesperson further explained that the recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday 18th May 2024, by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums who launched a brutal attack on some Nigerian Army personnel, a swift intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties salvaged the situation and prevented the soldiers from being lynched by the hoodlums.
Gen Nwachukwu noted that 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 by temporarily shutting down activities in the plaza to ensure that the hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighbourhood as a sanctuary to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory were apprehended.
He reiterated that the need arose for an extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the mayhem.
“This investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on own personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama.
To forestall future occurrences, Gen Nwachukwu stated that the Nigerian Army will equally ensure that it diligently investigates the circumstances surrounding the presence of the personnel at the plaza and the attack that ensued.
Nonetheless, such acts of violence against personnel are not only condemnable but could degenerate into a breakdown of law and order, orchestrating threats to national security.
Accordingly, the NA encourages members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.
“There are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities. These channels must be utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.”
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