By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has called for the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza in Abuja, which was closed following a recent attack on Nigerian Army personnel.
The House also urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to adopt modern security methods, such as surveillance and closed-circuit television, to identify and apprehend perpetrators of similar attacks in the future, rather than relying on traditional, heavy-handed approaches that cause unnecessary disruption to businesses and the economy
The House mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Defence and the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of Banex Plaza and the military’s involvement.
The Committees are also to recommend more effective, less disruptive methods for handling similar situations in the future.
The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance on the closure of the plaza and the need for modern, civilised methods in handling security issues sponsored by Hon Whingan Oluwaseun.
The House noted the recent unrest at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, on 18 May 2024, involving hoodlums who attacked Nigerian Army personnel.
It also noted the intervention by soldiers and policemen to rescue the attacked personnel.
The House said it was aware that the attacked soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat, making the attack unjustifiable.
The House expressed was concerned about the temporary closure of Banex Plaza, a major commercial hub, affecting businesses and the economy.
It worried about the over reliance on traditional, heavy-handed methods in civil matters, causing unnecessary disruption.
It also noted the inappropriate use of military personnel in civil matters, detracting from their primary role of national defense.
The House was further concerned 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.
It said this highlights the ineffective rules of engagement and the need for a review of military intervention in civil matters.
