Army shut down popular Abuja Shopping Complex over assault on personnel
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Officers of the Nigeria Army have reportedly shut Banex Plaza, a shopping complex located in the Wuse 2 area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following attacks on some of its personnel over the weekend.
A trader at the nearby Emab Plaza, simply known as Mr. Somto, confirmed this to a correspondent via phone call, on Monday.
“Yes, Banex is locked down. We are not affected by it though. And some men of the army are here”, he said.
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Another shop owner, who runs an Apple products store at the complex, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed the development, adding that they were still in talks with the army.
“No, we are not open. You know because of the issue that happened, the army has locked down the place. At each gate of Banex now, there is a Hilux vehicle, an army Hilux. They won’t even let you cross the place.
“But maybe between tomorrow and next, it will be open, we don’t know. We are still on it, having meetings with them”, he said.
A viral video on X showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all at Banex.
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The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, later on Saturday night, said the police had restored peace in the affected area, adding that a buyer had gone with four soldiers to demand a refund after the purchased phone developed faults, which the shop owner resisted.
“This action resulted in a confrontation and squabble with the military officer. This development led some irate youths to attack the military officer which led to an uproar in the environs”, the statement read.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Nigeria Army, in a reprisal, reportedly stormed the plaza on Saturday evening, beating passersby and manning guards, while a circulating video also showed the soldiers punishing some individuals.
