By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and Nigerian Army to reopen the Banex Plaza in Abuja to allow for the resumption of normal business activities.
The lawmakers also called on them to leverage technology, such as surveillance and closed circuit television, to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on Army personnel in the plaza recently.
These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Rep. Whingan Oluwaseun, lawmaker representing Badagary Federal Constituency of Lagos State on Thursday at plenary.
Debating the motion, Rep. Oluwaseun noted the recent unrest at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, on May 18 2024, involving hoodlums who attacked Nigerian Army personnel which took the intervention of soldiers and policemen to rescue the attacked personnel.
The lawmaker said the attacked soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat, making the attack unjustifiable.
He further expressed concern about the temporary closure of Banex Plaza, a major commercial hub, affecting businesses and the economy.
Rep. Oluwaseun expressed worries about the over reliance on traditional, heavy-handed methods in civil matters, causing unnecessary disruption.
He also decried the inappropriate use of military personnel in civil matters, detracting from their primary role of national defense, and noted that the Okuama crisis in Delta State, where 17 soldiers were killed, allegedly while on a peace mission, led to severe military reprisals and significant destruction.
He said: “Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, the recent incidents at Banex Plaza and Okuama in Delta State underline the urgent need for a review of our approach to handling security issues.
“These tragedies could have been averted with proper engagement and the use of modern technology. We must ensure that the military focuses on its primary role of national defense while the police handle civil matters.
“I urge this House to support this motion for the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza and the adoption of advanced, non- disruptive security methods”.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Defence and Police Affairs to investigate the circumstances leading to the closure of Banex Plaza and the military’s involvement and report back.