CITIZENS COMPASS – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, on Tuesday, dismissed the bomb scare in Jos, the state capital.
This came amidst reports of an explosion said to have occurred in the city on Tuesday morning. Eyewitnesses had reported that the blast occurred at about 10:30 a.m near the densely populated Terminus market area but both the state government and the Nigeria Police described this as a “mere bomb scare.”
Many people deserted the old JUTH axis, near the Terminus market area, where the incident reportedly occurred.
Emergency services, including the police, fire department, and ambulance teams, reportedly rushed to the scene to assist.
But in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gyang Bere, said “There was nothing like an explosion in Jos today.
“It was a bomb scare. People just came and there was a heap of polythene bags like that. And then they just raised the alarm and the bomb squad came.
“Then they searched and there was nothing. So that created panic among people. But there was nothing like that.
“In fact, it was a false alarm. People are going about their normal businesses. The road to that place now is clear, people are passing.
“When the anti-bomb squad came to that place. They looked at it and there was nothing. You know, when you have this anti-bomb squad cordoning off the whole place, people get scared because they need to find out what happened there.”
He assured the citizens that the government was committed to ensuring enduring security across the state.
Bere, in a statement released later, said, “The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has dismissed the rumours of an alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at theold Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) site near Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area.
“Governor Mutfwang clarified that the alarm was a false one, triggered by a group of individuals who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat. Their report led to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area.
Governor Mutfwang explained that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the Plateau State Police Command, responded swiftly, conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene. After an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found.
“The governor urged all Plateau citizens to remain vigilant and to act as ambassadors of the state, upholding its reputation and rich heritage.
“He assured the public that his administration is committed to ensuring enduring security across Plateau State, working tirelessly to restore peace and stability to the region.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, in a statement on Tuesday, also said the command received a report that an Improvised Explosive Device was allegedly planted around Murtala Way, Jos.
“The rumour created panic among the residents of the state. Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, immediately mobilised the Anti-Bomb Squad to the scene to assess the situation and take necessary actions.
“On reaching the scene, the area was immediately cordoned and our team began examination and the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices,” he said.
The CP, Adesina, and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
The statement noted that a shallow hole beside the Old JUTH fence sparked panic among residents, adding that the area had been declared safe and free of explosives.
