The Nigerian Army has strongly condemned the attack on its soldiers at Banex Plaza in Abuja, emphasising that the soldiers were unarmed and posed no threat.
Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement made available to Africa Health Report on Tuesday, described the incident as “entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.”
In response to the attack, he said a meeting was held with Banex Plaza management to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Adding that the plaza was temporarily closed to aid in capturing those responsible for the heinous act.
General Nwachukwu highlighted the importance of investigating the incident to ensure the security of the Federal Capital Territory.
He stressed the need to prevent such unwarranted attacks on security personnel, citing the potential threat to national security.
“This is in furtherance of the need for extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of this mayhem. This investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on own personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama.
“The Nigerian Army will equally ensure that it diligently investigates the circumstances surrounding the presence of the personnel at the plaza and the attack that ensued.
Nonetheless, such acts of violence against personnel are not only condemnable but could degenerate to a breakdown of law and order orchestrating threats to national security.”
He urged the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and report any grievances through established channels.
