Reps Urge FG, Army to Reopen Banex

On Thursday, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Nigerian Army to reopen Banex Plaza in Abuja, allowing business activities to resume. This call followed an incident on Saturday, May 18, 2024, where traders at the plaza allegedly assaulted two soldiers, prompting the army to shut down the area in protest.

In response to the incident, the Nigerian army quickly stationed its personnel at the site, halting commercial activities. During a session of urgent national importance, Whingan Oluwaseun, the lawmaker representing the Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, proposed employing modern technology such as surveillance systems and closed-circuit television to identify and capture those involved in the attack.

Oluwaseun highlighted the growing concerns about the overreliance on traditional, forceful methods in civil matters, which often lead to unnecessary disruptions. He noted that the House is worried about the improper use of military personnel in civilian contexts, which distracts them from their primary duty of national defense.

He further cited the Okuama crisis in Delta State, where 17 soldiers were reportedly killed during a peacekeeping mission, leading to a significant military retaliation and widespread destruction. This, he argued, demonstrates the inadequacy of current engagement rules and underscores the need to reassess military involvement in civil affairs.

After adopting the motion, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who led the plenary session, assigned the matter to the House Committees on Army, Police, National Security, and Intelligence for further legislative consideration.