From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to reopen Banex Plaza, located in Abuja, which was shut following an attack on some soldiers by some traders.
The House also urged the government to deploy modern technology such Closed Circuit Television ( CCT) to identify and apprehend traders, who were responsible for attacks on military personnel, during the incident.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Defence. And Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of the Plaza. The joint committee is expected to recommend “more effective, less disruptive methods for handling similar situations in the future.”
This followed the adoption of a motion by Whingan Oluwaseun calling the attention of the House to the closure of the Banex Plaza and “the need for modern, civilized methods in handling security issues.”
Oluwaseun, in his lead debate, told the House that on May 18, there was an unrest at Banex during which hoodlums attacked some soldiers. According to him, “the attacked soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat, making the attack unjustifiable.”
Nevertheless, the lawmaker noted that “the temporary closure of Banex Plaza, a major commercial hub, affecting businesses and the economy.
The over-reliance on traditional, heavy-handed methods in civil matters, causing unnecessary disruption.
“The inappropriate use of military personnel in civil matters, detracting from their primary role of national defense.”
He added 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. This highlights the ineffective rules of engagement and the need for a review of military intervention in civil matters.”