Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has weighed in on the recent Abuja market crisis, urging all parties to exercise restraint and condemning the use of military reprisals against civilians. As tensions rise and fears of further violence escalate, Effiong’s call for measured responses serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens.
Taking to his X page, the lawyer draws on his extensive experience advocating for justice and human rights, Effiong emphasizes the need for proper investigation and due process. He urges the government to address any gross indiscipline within the Nigerian military and ensure that those responsible for attacks are held accountable.
“A country that normalizes and finds excuses for reprisal attacks on civilian population and communities by the military is a country that is headed for destruction. We cannot continue to live like barbarians and expect the civilized world to respect us.
“The gross indiscipline in the Nigerian military is unacceptable. If soldiers are harassed or targeted in anyway by criminal elements, or by some civilians, the police should be invited to investigate the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.”, Inibehe wrote.
Inibehe added that Nigeria cannot pretend to be a democratic country while allowing soldiers to continue to go on rampage in revenge. He added that the military is supposed to exude the highest level of discipline, stating that he is hoping that the media will investigate and tell the public what took the two assaulted soldiers to Banex Plaza. He however condemned humiliating or disrespecting members of the Armed Forces, we should never condone jungle justice by the military.
“We cannot pretend to be a democratic country while allowing soldiers to continue to go on rampage in revenge. The military is supposed to exude the highest level of discipline.
“I am hoping that the media will investigate and tell us what took the two assaulted soldiers to Banex Plaza. While I condemn humiliating or disrespecting members of the Armed Forces, we should never condone jungle justice by the military.
“Our primitive and lawless ways of doing things in Nigeria will continue to erode our progress.”, he added.
Viral videos seen on X on Saturday evening had revealed a chaotic scene unfolded at Banex Plaza in Abuja, when a dispute over a mobile phone sale between soldiers and traders escalated into a violent clash. The incident has raised concerns about security and order in the busy market area.
Witnesses reported that the argument quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in a free-for-all fight where a multitude of civilians overpowered two soldiers. Shop owners and passersby were alarmed by the outbreak of violence, fearing a potential breakdown of law and order in the vicinity.
In the aftermath of a chaotic clash between soldiers and traders at Banex Plaza, many are concerned that soldiers may return to the scene and exact revenge.
The tension has prompted some traders and customers to flee the area, leaving behind their stores and belongings in an attempt to avoid any further violence.
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