The Nigerian military has reopened Banex Plaza in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja after over a week-long closure. The popular market resumed operations around 2:30 PM on Monday, according to reports from Daily Trust.
The plaza had been sealed off by military authorities on May 18 following a violent clash between traders and military personnel. The conflict began when thugs allegedly attacked some soldiers who had a disagreement with a trader over the sale of a defective phone. The soldiers were reportedly called in by a customer dissatisfied with the phone he had purchased.
Despite police efforts to resolve the situation, soldiers later stormed the plaza, prompting an immediate shutdown by traders. The military’s actions were widely condemned by human rights activists, including Femi Falana, SAN, and various civil society organizations.
The reopening of Banex Plaza marks the end of the tension that had disrupted business activities and drawn significant public criticism.
