Reopen Banex Plaza For Business Activities- Reps Urge FG, Army

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to immediately reopen the Banex Plaza in Abuja for normal business activities to resume.

The call to action follows the recent turmoil at Banex Plaza, Wuse II district of Abuja, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, involving traders, who attacked Nigerian Army personnel.

This incident took the intervention of soldiers and policemen to rescue the attacked soldiers.

The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance moved by a member from Lagos State, Whingan Oluwaseun at plenary in Abuja.

In his lead debate, the Lawmaker called for the use of modern technology, like surveillance and closed-circuit television, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent attack on Army personnel at the plaza.

“There is a growing concern about the excessive dependence on conventional, heavy-handed approaches in civil matters, leading to avoidable disruptions.

“The House expresses concerns regarding the improper deployment of military personnel in civilian affairs, diverting their focus from their core responsibility of national defense.

“The House highlights the Okuama crisis in Delta State, where 17 soldiers were reportedly killed during a peacekeeping mission, resulting in substantial military retaliation and extensive damage.

“This underscores the inefficacy of current rules of engagement and emphasizes the necessity for a reassessment of military intervention in civil matters.”

Adopting the Motion, The House mandated its Committees on, Army, National Security and Intelligence, Defence and Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of Banex Plaza and the military’s involvement in the incident

The committees are also to recommend more efficient and less disruptive approaches for managing similar situations in the future.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji