NewsSoldiers Shut Down Abuja’s Banex Plaza After Altercation with Traders

Tensions flared in Abuja’s Wuse 2 district yesterday, as soldiers reportedly shut down the popular Banex Plaza following a clash with traders.

The exact details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but reports suggest an argument erupted over a phone purchase gone wrong.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of soldiers visited the plaza on Saturday with a phone-related complaint. This apparently escalated into a heated exchange with a trader, leading to a physical altercation. Videos circulating online appear to show a scuffle between soldiers and civilians.

Fuming after the incident, a large contingent of soldiers reportedly arrived at the plaza on Monday morning. They reportedly forced the closure of the shopping complex and restricted access, with some witnesses claiming they were subjected to physical punishment.

Authorities have yet to officially comment on the incident, and the number of soldiers or traders involved remains unconfirmed. Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.

The FCT Police Command had previously stated they intervened on Saturday to restore order after a conflict arose at the plaza. Their statement mentioned a dispute over a faulty phone purchased by a customer but did not elaborate on any physical confrontation.

The shutdown of Banex Plaza has disrupted business operations and caused inconvenience for traders and shoppers alike.