Banex Plaza Should Remain Closed to Avoid Anarchy, says Ex-Army Chief

Former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor says he is in full support of the Nigerian Army’s decision to shut down Banex Plaza, the commercial complex in Wuse 2, Abuja, where soldiers were assaulted last Saturday.

Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Irabor strongly condemned the assault, stating, “An attack on soldiers is an attack on the state itself.” 

He praised the police and civilians who stepped in to defuse the situation, preventing further escalation. Irabor also emphasised the importance of the media in framing these discussions and the need for public education on national security and civic responsibilities.

In Irabor’s Words:

“This applies to any uniformed person for as long as he is an agent of the state. An attack on him is an attack on the state, so any Nigerian of goodwill must condemn such an act.

“For me, I join to support the closure of Banex Plaza for as long as it takes to have anyone responsible for that dastardly act brought to justice. This is because if we fail to do so, we will be calling for anarchy.

“Whatever job members of the armed forces do, it is not on their behalf but on behalf of the state, so they are only an agent of the state. They ought not to speak for themselves; the state should speak for them.”

The Backstory

According to multiple sources, two soldiers had visited the plaza to complain about a phone they purchased and an argument ensued, leading to a physical altercation with the traders. 

A video which circulated on social media showed the traders beating the outnumbered soldiers. 

On Monday, May 20, the Nigerian Army besieged Banex Plaza in five Hilux vehicles and closed it down, an action many have described as an abuse of power.

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