Abuja's Banex Plaza Reopens Following Motion by Badagry Reps Member Sesi

By Jumoke Owoola 

Banex Plaza in Abuja, a well-known telecommunications gadget market, has been reopened after its closure by military authorities following a violent clash between civilians and soldiers. The reopening occurred after Hon. Sesi Whingan, a member of the House of Representatives from Badagry Federal Constituency, raised a motion on the House floor.

The incident at Banex Plaza began with a confrontation between suspected hoodlums and soldiers in plain clothes. Viral social media videos showed the hoodlums overpowering and beating the soldiers. Reports indicate that the conflict originated from a disagreement between a trader and three soldiers over a phone issue, escalating into a larger altercation.

Since the clash on May 18th, the plaza had been under military control. However, it was reopened following Hon. Whingan's motion during a House plenary session. The House adopted his motion, urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to reopen the plaza for normal business activities.

In discussing the motion, the House recommended using surveillance technology, such as CCTV, to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack on the soldiers. Additionally, the House directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Defense, and Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the plaza's closure and the military's involvement.