African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the Nigerian Army’s closure of Banex Plaza. The Army shut down the plaza in Abuja following an attack on soldiers last weekend, allegedly by hoodlums. Sowore criticized the Army’s excessive actions, saying shutting a civilian hub over a soldier-civilian dispute is disproportionate. He emphasized that such actions negatively impact thousands of employees and are not warranted by the circumstances.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sowore urged non-active military personnel to avoid wearing uniforms to prevent potential misconduct and abuse. He cited cases of soldiers involved in criminal activities, underscoring the necessity for strict uniform regulations. Furthermore, he emphasized that even under military rule, authorities did not close civilian spaces. Sowore condemned the Army’s destruction of Okuama village.
The incident that led to the closure stemmed from a violent confrontation at Banex Plaza between traders and soldiers. The FCT police command intervened after videos surfaced showing civilians overpowering soldiers. Conflict arose when a buyer, with four soldiers, sought a refund for a defective phone, which the owner refused.
After the clash, the Nigerian Army retaliated by raiding the plaza, assaulting bystanders, and seizing control of security posts. Viral videos of soldiers punishing individuals during this raid have sparked public outrage. Sowore’s criticism underscores growing concerns about the military’s involvement in civilian affairs.
The FCT Police Command, represented by spokesperson Josephine Adeh, confirmed their role in restoring order. Adeh’s statement outlined the sequence of events and noted that the police successfully contained the situation. Nonetheless, the Army’s subsequent actions have faced widespread condemnation from human rights activists and local traders.
Sowore’s demand for an end to what he terms as repression reflects a broader call for military accountability and restraint. Additionally, ongoing tensions between Nigerian military and civilians prompt critical questions about the bounds of military involvement in civil affairs.
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