- The market had been sealed by military authorities on May 18 following a violent clash between traders and military personnel
After a siege lasting over a week, the military has reopened Banex Plaza in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.
According to Daily Trust, the plaza resumed operations around 2:30 PM on Monday.
The market had been sealed by military authorities on May 18 following a violent clash between traders and military personnel. The incident began when thugs attacked soldiers after a disagreement between a trader and the soldiers over a faulty phone.
Instead of resolving the issue amicably, the trader allegedly called in thugs who assaulted the soldiers and another man in civilian clothing. The thugs, operating in groups, slapped, kicked, and beat the soldiers.
Although the police intervened to defuse the situation, soldiers later returned to the plaza, prompting traders to shut down immediately.
Human rights activists, including Femi Falana, SAN, and various Civil Society Organisations, condemned the military’s action, arguing that while the trader’s actions were wrong, shutting down the entire business was not the solution.
However, the army stated that the market would remain temporarily closed until those responsible for the attacks were apprehended.