Soldiers assault: Military shut Abuja’s popular Banex Plaza

The Nigerian Army has announced the closure of Banex Plaza in Abuja, following assault on two of its officers by a mob suspected to be workers of the plaza on Saturday a development traced to soldiers alleged role over the sale of mobile phone at the plaza

Penpushing reports that it is recalled that in an apparent retaliation, a group of soldiers invaded the plaza where they also assaulted some civilians, while the military authorities s had earlier declared that the assault on the soldiers would be investigated

The Army spokesperson Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, however, explained that the plaza was shut down after an agreement with the management of the plaza to identify individuals who recently assaulted two soldiers.

“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….’, Nwachukwu said

Penpushing further reports that the army closure of the plaza popular for the sale of phones and other electronics, is believed in many quarters as a move expected to raise concerns about the army’s role in a democracy.

‘Such incidents as happened at Banex Plaza are supposed to be investigated by the police who would then prosecute those found culpable. The shutdown could also have been announced by civil authorities such as the Abuja administration or the Abuja Municipal Council Area where the plaza is located’.

Penpushing also reports that the military spokesperson in a statement explained that the army suggested it was leading the investigation, saying it wanted to prevent a fatal assault on soldiers as happened in Okuama, Delta State, recently.

“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’, he added

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