Soldiers and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken over the popular Banex Plaza in the Wuse area of the nation’s capital after a violent altercation between traders and soldiers.
ChannelsTV reports that the incident reportedly began when three soldiers approached a trader regarding a phone issue. A disagreement over the phone matter quickly escalated into a full-blown conflict. According to an anonymous trader at the Old Banex complex, phone dealers ganged up and overpowered the soldiers and a civilian.
In response to the unrest, the FCT Police Command called for calm, urging residents to continue their legitimate activities. FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, made this appeal in a statement issued by FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, hours after the clash.
Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, detailed the incident: “Following a reported unrest at Banex Plaza today, May 18, 2024, at about 01:30 PM, involving some occupants of the plaza, customers, and some soldiers, operatives of the FCT police command swiftly mobilized to the scene, assessed the situation, and restored order.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that Suleiman Ahmed, who had previously purchased a phone from Suleiman Ibrahim, a shop owner at New Banex, returned with four soldiers to request a replacement after discovering the phone was faulty. The shop owner’s resistance led to a confrontation and a brawl involving the military personnel. The situation escalated further when an irate mob attacked the soldiers, causing significant unrest in the area.
“All parties involved were invited for questioning, and the military personnel have been handed over to their organization for necessary action,” Adeh added.
Security operatives, including police and troops, have been deployed to Banex Plaza to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area.