Nigerian Army Sues For Calm Over Closure Of Banex Plaza
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Nigerian Army, NA, has enjoined members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform saying that there are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities.
This caution came following the recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday 18 May 2024, by yet to be identified hoodlums who launched a brutal attack on some Nigerian Army personnel, that were rescued from being lynched by the hoodlums by the swift intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties in the area.
A statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, clarified that the soldiers attacked were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone hence the cruel treatment meted out on them was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.
The statement noted that in response to the unfortunate incident, a meeting was convened with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend perpetrators of the heinous act by temporarily shutting down activities in the plaza to ensure that the hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory were apprehended.
It said the closure, is in furtherance of the need for extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the mayhem as the investigation ultimately aims to ensure security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on its personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the attack in Okuama.
The statement pledged that the Nigerian Army will ensure that it diligently investigates the circumstances surrounding the presence of the personnel at the plaza and the attack that ensued.
It however, noted that such acts of violence against personnel are condemnable, and can as well degenerate to a breakdown of law and order, orchestrating threats to national security.
The statement enjoined all aggrieved persons to utilise the appropriate channels to report their grievances so as to maintain order and order as well as respect for those who serve and protect the country.
