A simmering dispute between soldiers and traders at Banex Plaza in Abuja’s Wuse 2 district resulted in the shopping mall’s closure on Monday. The exact cause of the disagreement remains unclear, but reports point to a phone purchase gone awry.
Local media reported that an argument broke out between a group of soldiers and a vendor at the plaza over the weekend, possibly regarding a faulty phone. Videos circulating online appear to show a scuffle between soldiers and civilians.
In an apparent response, a larger group of soldiers arrived at the plaza on Monday and reportedly shut down the complex. Some witnesses claimed they were subjected to physical punishment by the soldiers.
Officials have yet to comment on the specifics of the incident, and the exact number of soldiers and traders involved is unknown. The FCT Police Command previously confirmed their intervention on Saturday to restore order after a conflict arose at the plaza. Their statement mentioned a dispute over a phone purchase but did not elaborate on any physical confrontation.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
