Banex Plaza Remains Shut as Soldiers Maintain Presence After Thug Attack

Banex Plaza, a major electronics and telecommunications market in Abuja, remains closed, as soldiers maintain their presence following a recent violent incident.

On Monday morning, Media Talk Africa’s correspondent observed soldiers stationed throughout the plaza. Traders gathered nearby but dispersed after waiting for hours, lamenting the financial impact of the closure on a busy day like Monday.

The trouble began when thugs attacked soldiers over a minor disagreement involving a trader who allegedly sold a faulty phone. The buyer called in soldiers, but instead of resolving the issue, the trader summoned thugs who assaulted the soldiers. Videos on social media show soldiers chasing crowds and punishing individuals.

Despite police intervention, soldiers later returned, prompting traders to shut down immediately. Military vans were seen stationed at various points around the plaza, with troops patrolling the area in Wuse 2, Abuja.

As of the time of reporting, the army, represented by Onyema Nwachukwu, has not issued an official statement regarding the incident at the plaza.