On Saturday, May 19, 2024, a viral video depicted a mob, believed to be workers at Banex Plaza, assaulting two soldiers over the sale of a mobile phone. In retaliation, soldiers invaded the plaza and assaulted civilians. Following this, the army blocked the plaza’s entrance, halting all business activities.
The closure of Banex Plaza raises critical questions about the role of the military in a democratic society. This kind of incident is normally within the purview of the police, who are trained to investigate, apprehend suspects, and maintain public order.
Although the closure followed an agreement with the plaza’s management to identify individuals responsible for the assault, the implications of this decision extend far beyond the immediate incident, highlighting significant concerns about legality, morality, and the proper division of responsibilities between military and civil authorities.
The military’s decision to shut down Banex Plaza is problematic on multiple fronts. This action is morally, legally, and constitutionally wrong in a democratic setting. The military’s role is to defend the nation from external threats and ensure internal security during emergencies; not to intervene in civilian disputes and commercial activities.
Closing Banex Plaza, a bustling hub for phone and electronics sales, disrupts the livelihoods of many individuals who depend on it for their income. This heavy-handed approach to dealing with an assault case not only punishes the perpetrators but also unjustly penalises innocent business owners and customers.
Civilian matters, especially those involving assault and public order, should be handled by the police. The army’s intervention in this incident reflects a dangerous precedent where military force is used to resolve issues that fall squarely within the jurisdiction of civil authorities.
The incident at Banex Plaza is reminiscent of previous instances where military responses have escalated conflicts rather than resolved them. For example, the retaliatory actions in Okuama, Delta State, following the killing of military personnel by locals, resulted in further violence and destruction, highlighting the dangers of military involvement in civilian matters.
To prevent such overreach in the future, it is crucial to reinforce the boundaries between military and civilian roles in governance and law enforcement. The Nigerian government must ensure that the military adheres to its constitutional mandate and refrains from intruding on areas meant for civil authorities.
The police should be empowered and adequately resourced to handle such incidents, ensuring that justice is served without resorting to military intervention. Additionally, there should be clear communication channels and protocols for addressing grievances involving military personnel to prevent unnecessary confrontations and ensure that any misconduct is reported and handled appropriately.
While the assault on the soldiers was unfortunate and condemnable, the military’s response was equally misguided and uncalled for. In a democracy, upholding the rule of law and respecting the separation of powers is important. The Nigerian government must take decisive steps to reaffirm the proper roles of the military and civil authorities.
