Jos Bomb Scare: Gov. Mutfwang, Police Dismiss False Alarm At Terminus Market
Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and the Nigeria Police Command in the State, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 dismissed the rumors of an alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the old Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) site near Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area of the State.
A statement by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, said that Governor Mutfwang said that the alarm was a false one that was triggered by a group of individuals who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat.
He said that their report led to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area, adding that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the Plateau State Police Command, responded swiftly by conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene.
The Governor further said that after an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found thus, urged all citizens of the state to remain vigilant and to act as responsible ambassadors of the state by upholding its reputation and rich heritage.
Mutfwang assured the public that his administration remain committed to ensuring an enduring security across Plateau State, working tirelessly to restore peace and stability to the region and therefore called on the people to focus their efforts on supporting the government’s mission for sustainable peace and prosperity.
The governor encouraged residents, especially those near Terminus Market, to continue their daily activities without fear and to promptly report any suspicious occurrences to security personnel for quick action.
Similarly, the Plateau State Police Command said that the bomb scare was as a result of a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an Improvised Explosive Device IED at the Murtala Muhammed Way, beside Old JUTH fence which created panic among the residents of the State.
The Commissioner of Police CP Emmanuel Adesina, who stated tis in a statement, said that on receiving the information, he immediately ordered the Area Commander Metro and the Officer in Charge of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit aka Anti-Bomb Squad to mobilize a team of bomb technicians to the scene in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer DPO, ‘C’ Division to assess the situation and take necessary actions.
CP Adesina said that the EOD Team after examination, discovered that the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices.
He commended the people of Plateau State for being Security conscious, and cooperated with the Police throughout the exercise.
Adesina therefore urged the people to go about their normal business activities without fear, saying that the area is safe and free of any threats to lives and properties.
He advised members of public to call the following GSM numbers to report any suspicious activities around their communities:
POLICE CONTROL ROOM EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844 and 0905387229.
