The Nigerian Army has confirmed the immediate reopening of the Banex shopping complex, which was shut nine days ago following the attack on its personnel by civilians.
The confirmation, according to the Army, is sequel to a high-level meeting convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
Those in attendance include the Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, the Commissioner of Police FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services and the Leadership and Management of Banex Plaza.
Others include a representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association.
A statement by the Nigerian Army, signed by its Director of Public Relations, Maj.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu noted that the primary objective of the meeting was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators while ensuring continued security in Abuja.
The Army further revealed the resolution agreed upon after the meeting to include the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza, earlier reported
“Banex Plaza will be reopened immediately to the public,” the statement said.
Secondly, the Army ordered the closure of Shop C93, without giving further information. “The leadership of Banex Plaza was instructed to lock up Shop C93 with immediate effect,” the statement noted.
Thirdly, the Army ordered the arrest of perpetrators, insisting that the owners of the shop who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldiers be arrested and handed over to the Police.
The Army finally asked that the market leaders remain vigilant and report the remaining perpetrators to the authorities.
“Furthermore, the two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.
“The Nigerian Army will also thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.
“It must be 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 utilised 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,” the Army said.
