Military, Police Take Over Banex Plaza After Clash In Abuja

This occured after a violent altercation between traders and soldiers on Saturday.

Naijaonpoint understands that three soldiers had approached a trader regarding a phone issue which led to a disagreement over the phone matter.

The matter quickly escalated into a full-blown conflict.

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 the appeal in a statement issued by FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, hours after the clash.

According to her, “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.

“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.”

She said all parties involved were invited for questioning, and the military personnel have been handed over to their organization for necessary action.

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.