Banex Plaza, a prominent electronics and telecommunications market in Abuja, remains closed as soldiers continue to secure the area following a violent altercation involving traders and military personnel.

When eyewitnesses arrived at the market on Monday morning, they reported that soldiers were visible all around the plaza. Traders who had congregated nearby were spotted departing after hours of waiting, frustrated with the financial implications of the shutdown on a busy day like Monday. However, none volunteered to speak with our reporters.

The incident began when a dispute between a trader and a customer escalated. The customer, unhappy with a faulty phone sold to him, sought assistance from soldiers. Instead of resolving the issue, the trader allegedly called in thugs who attacked the soldiers. Witnesses reported that the thugs assaulted at least two soldiers and another man in civilian clothing, slapping, kicking, and beating them.

Although the police intervened to de-escalate the situation, soldiers later returned to the plaza, forcing traders to shut down their businesses immediately. Videos circulating on social media show soldiers chasing crowds and disciplining individuals involved in the altercation.

During our visit, military vans were seen positioned at various locations around the plaza. Troops patrolled the area in their vehicles, maintaining a strong presence in Wuse 2, Abuja.

As of the time of this report, military authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the continued closure of Banex Plaza. The situation remains tense, with traders concerned about the ongoing disruption to their livelihoods and the potential for further conflict.

By Gbenga Adeniyi

Residents and consumers of locally made drinks such as Kunnu, Zobo, and Soya milk are calling for stricter hygienic standards for the reuse of plastic water containers. They emphasize the need for proper sanitation to prevent health risks associated with the use of contaminated containers.

Concerns have been raised about the unsafe practices of individuals who repurpose plastic water containers without adequately cleaning them. Observations reveal that these containers, often collected from various waste sites, are not thoroughly washed, leading to potential contamination. This negligence has been linked to various infections and health issues among consumers.

In response to these concerns, residents are urging the authorities responsible for monitoring consumable items to take immediate action. They advocate for stringent regulations and regular inspections to ensure that all reused containers meet safety standards. The community stresses the importance of addressing this issue to prevent a possible surge in health hazards on a national scale.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, dismissed the request by terrorist negotiator, Mohammed Tukur Mamu, for his transfer from the custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS, to Kuje Prison in Abuja.

Mamu is standing trial for terrorism offences slammed on him by the Federal Government and had been in DSS custody following the refusal of the court to admit him to bail.

Justice Ekwo, while delivering the latest ruling, said the Federal Government had raised the issues of incessant jail breaks in prisons as a major ground to oppose the request for transfer to Kuje.

He held that Mamu did not contradict or dispute the averments as required by law.

According to the Judge, since the averments were not challenged by Mamu, they are deemed to be true facts and facts admitted need no further proof.

He subsequently ordered him to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial in the criminal charges against him.

Justice Ekwo, however, affirmed his earlier order that the terrorist negotiator be allowed to access his personal physician for medical treatment with the supervisions of the DSS.

Mamu, through his lawyer, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, had on April 29, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS.

In his motion on notice argued by Mohammed, he claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS.

Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the country.

The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje Prison.

He promised regular attendance in court, adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

It will be recalled that Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.

The DSS, on March 21, 2023, arraigned him on 10 counts of terrorism financing, among others but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.