Some residents have noted that there was a bomb scare but no explosion in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State, on Tuesday morning.
Reports of a blast and chaos near the Terminus Market area were products of a rumour about an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the state government said.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has dismissed the rumours 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,” Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs for the governor, stated.
“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.
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“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 responsible 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.”
While the state government stated that there was no evidence of any explosive device found at the scene, some residents claimed that a bomb or an explosive was found and removed.
“Please there was no explosion in Jos market. The bomb was detected and removed by the anti-bomb squad,” @conti7070 told FIJ on Tuesday.
“A bomb was found and removed by the anti-bomb squad earlier. It was around the same place the last Terminus bombing happened. There is an ongoing market sweep for explosives,” another resident told FIJ.
The Plateau State Police Command had also not spoken about the incident at press time. Alfred Alabo, spokesman for the command, was not reachable as his phone was switched off when FIJ called him.
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