Reps Ask FG, Army To Reopen Banex Plaza

House of Representatives has urged the federal government and the Nigerian Army to reopen the Banex Plaza in Abuja immediately to resume normal business activities.

The Green Chamber called on those concerned to leverage technology, such as surveillance and closed-circuit television, to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on Army personnel in the plaza recently.

It mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Defence and the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of Banex Plaza and the military’s involvement.

These resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance moved by Hon Whingan Oluwaseun from Lagos at plenary yesterday.
Moving the motion, Oluwaseun noted the recent unrest at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, on May 18 2024, involving hoodlums who attacked Nigerian Army personnel which took the intervention of soldiers and policemen to rescue the attacked personnel.

The lawmaker said the attacked soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat, making the attack unjustifiable.

He expressed concern about the temporary closure of Banex Plaza, a major commercial hub, affecting businesses and the economy.
Oluwaseun was also worried about the over reliance on traditional, heavy-handed methods in civil matters, causing unnecessary disruption.

He also lamented the inappropriate use of military personnel in civil matters, detracting from their primary role of national defence, noting that the Okuama crisis in Delta State, where 17 soldiers were killed, allegedly while on a peace mission, led to severe military reprisals and significant destruction.

“Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, the recent incidents at Banex Plaza and Okuama in Delta State underline the urgent need for a review of our approach to handling security issues.

“These tragedies could have been averted with proper engagement and the use of modern technology. We must ensure that the military focuses on its primary role of national defence while the police handle civil matters.

“I urge this House to support this motion for the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza and the adoption of advanced, non- disruptive security methods,” the lawmaker added.