The military and police forces have taken control of Banex Plaza in the Wuse area of Abuja, following a violent altercation between traders and soldiers on Saturday.
The conflict began when three soldiers approached a trader about a phone issue. What started as a disagreement quickly escalated into a significant clash.
An anonymous trader at the Old Banex complex reported that phone dealers banded together and overpowered the soldiers and a civilian.
In response to the unrest, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and continue their legitimate activities.
Benneth Igweh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, made this appeal through a statement issued by Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson.
“Following a reported unrest at Banex Plaza on 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”, Adeh stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Suleiman Ahmed, who had previously purchased a phone from shop owner Suleiman Ibrahim, returned with four soldiers to request a replacement after discovering the phone was faulty.
The shop owner’s refusal led to a confrontation that escalated into a brawl involving the military personnel. The situation worsened when an irate mob attacked the soldiers, causing significant unrest.
All parties involved have been invited for questioning, and the military personnel have been handed over to their organization for further action.
To maintain law and order, security operatives, including police and troops, have been deployed to Banex Plaza, ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area.
