The House of Representatives urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Nigerian Army to reopen Banex Plaza in Abuja, which was shut down by the Army
According to the lawmakers, it is better to harness technology in the ongoing investigation by the Nigerian Army instead of shutting down business activities for innocent people in the face of the current economic hardship.
News About Nigeria gathered that the plaza was closed after two soldiers were beaten on Saturday, May 18, 2024, by traders at the plaza.
The Nigerian Army shut down the place in protest against the ill-treatment of its personnel, deploying its men to guard the place, to ensure that business activities are stalled.
Reacting to this in a motion of urgent national importance on the floor of the House, the lawmaker representing the Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Whingan Oluwaseun called for the use of modern technology like surveillance and closed-circuit television, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
This according to him is because it is not proper for the military to abandon its core national responsibility to focus on the plaza.
The lawmaker said, “There is a growing concern about the excessive dependence on conventional, heavy-handed approaches in civil matters, leading to avoidable disruptions. The House expresses concerns regarding the improper deployment of military personnel in civilian affairs, diverting their focus from their core responsibility of national defence.
“The House highlights the Okuama crisis in Delta State where 17 soldiers were reportedly killed during a peacekeeping mission, resulting in substantial military retaliation and extensive damage. This underscores the inefficacy of current rules of engagement and emphasises the necessity for a reassessment of military intervention in civil matters.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over the plenary session, mandated the House Committees on Army, Police, National Security and Intelligence to investigate the matter.
