It is often said that when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Traders in Banex Plaza, an Abuja market for electronics and telecommunications gadgets, may not have understood this popular saying until now.
From time to time, the Nigerian Army have shown open disdain to any form of attack on its officers.
The aftermath is always filled with chaos, in fact, if blood is not spilled then the people involved may need to count themselves very lucky.
Soldiers Vs Traders: The Clash
If only these unidentified traders in Banex Plaza had known, perhaps, they would have sort other means to resolve the issue when the soldiers came.
You see, the trader had sold a faulty phone to an individual.
The frustrated client called upon some soldiers for assistance.
Instead of resolving the issue peacefully, the trader allegedly enlisted the help of the thugs, who proceeded to attack the soldiers.
At least two soldiers and another civilian were targeted by the thugs, who operated in separate groups and subjected them to physical abuse.
Banex Plaza Closure
The police later intervened and order was restored, but the soldiers later arrived at the plaza, compelling the traders to immediately shut down their businesses.
Several videos circulating on social media shows soldiers pursuing and punishing individuals within a crowd.
As we speak, Banex Plaza remained closed and inaccessible on Monday, leaving traders and their customers stranded.
Journalists who visited the market this morning observed the presence of soldiers stationed throughout the plaza.
Financial Implications
A group of traders who had gathered at a distance from the plaza were eventually dispersed after waiting for several hours.
Also Read: VIDEO: Tension As Traders, Soldiers Clash At Popular Abuja Market
The facial expression on the faces of these traders said it all, as they expressed their frustration over the financial implications of the plaza being closed on a significant day like Monday.
Upon visiting the scene on Monday morning, military vehicles were observed stationed at various locations within the plaza.
Army Remains Mute
Additionally, troops in their vans were seen patrolling Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja.
As of the time this report was filed, the army had not provided an official statement regarding the incident at the plaza.
Also, the Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, has remained silent on the matter.
