A stunning altercation took place at Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, involving a military personnel who allegedly slapped a woman, causing her to fall into a coma.
The assault happened in a climate of heightened tension, following a four-day closure of the plaza sparked by a volatile clash between traders and soldiers.
The trouble began when a trader sold a defective phone to a customer who subsequently called in soldiers. Instead of resolving the issue peacefully, the trader reportedly summoned thugs who attacked the soldiers, leading to a violent confrontation.
At least two soldiers and a civilian were beaten by the thugs, who split into groups to assault them.
It was reported that the latest incident unfolded when a woman crossed a barricade set up by soldiers at the plaza. She was walking on the blocked road when she was stopped by the soldiers. After a brief interrogation, one of the soldiers slapped her so forcefully that she collapsed.
Witnesses, including a Daily Trust correspondent, saw her being rushed into a van that quickly left the scene. It remains unclear whether she was taken to a hospital.
The military presence at Banex Plaza has caused significant disruption to the local businesses. Chibuzor Ike, a phone repairer at the plaza, expressed his frustration, saying, “I am already counting losses. It doesn’t seem like they will leave anytime soon. We are pleading for the reopening of the place for business.”
Videos circulating on social media depict soldiers chasing and punishing individuals at the plaza. Despite the police stepping in to mediate the initial altercation, the situation escalated with the military enforcing a strict lockdown on the area.
As of the time of filing this report, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson has not commented on the incident.
The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement regarding the events at Banex Plaza.
The current military operation and the recent attack have sparked worries about the approach to conflict resolution and the effects on civilians and commercial activities in the plaza.
