By, giwa alex, jos

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Following the recent unrest at Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, on Saturday 18th May 2024, by yet to be identified hoodlums who launched a brutal attack on some Nigerian Army personnel, a swift  intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties salvaged the situation and rescued the attacked personnel from being lynched  by the hoodlums.

It is important to note that the soldiers attacked were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone,therefore, the cruel treatment meted out to the Army was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable.

The condenmation over the attack of Army is contained in a Press statement dated 21st May 2024 signed by Major General  Onyema Nwachkwu Army Public  Relations Officer and made available to this medium. 

According to the statement,in  response to this unfortunate incident, a meeting was convened with the management of Banex Plaza to  identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act by temporarily shutting down activities in the plaza to ensure that the hoodlums who have been using the Banex neighborhood as a sanctuary to pose a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory were apprehended. 

This the statement said 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 our 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.

Accordingly,  the NA enjoined members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.

 There are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by  personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU 

Major General 

Director Army Public Relations 

21 May 2024