The Police Command in Plateau has dismissed rumour of a bomb explosion on Murtala Way, near JosTerminus, in Jos North Local Government of the state, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Alfred Alabo, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.
Alabo said that the command had on Tuesday morning received report that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was allegedly planted around Murtala Way, Jos.
“At exactly 8:20 a.m., we received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an IED at Murtala Way beside the old site of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
“The rumour created panic among the residents of the state. Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Mr 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.
Alabo, who said that the commissioner of police also visited scene, thanked residents of Plateau for conducting themselves peacefully, cooperating with its men and being security conscious amid the rumour.
He called on the residents to go about their usual businesses and other activities without fear, insisting that the area was safe.
Speaking in the same vein, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has dismissed rumours of an explosion around the old Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) site, near the Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor on Tuesday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some national dailies had reported of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that exploded at the old JUTH by the Terminus Market.
The governor described the alarm as false, triggered by a group of individuals who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat.
He said the false alarm sent fear and panic among citizens in the area.
Mutfwang said that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the Police Command in Plateau responded swiftly, conducted a search operation at the scene and cordoned it.
“After an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found,” he said.
The governor urged Plateau citizens to remain vigilant and act as responsible ambassadors of the state, upholding its reputation and rich heritage.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring an enduring security across the state, and to work tirelessly to restore peace and stability in the area.
Mutfwang called on the people to channel their efforts in supporting the government’s mission for a sustainable peace and prosperity.
He encouraged residents, especially those near the terminus market to continue their daily activities without fear.
The governor urged them to promptly report any suspicious occurrences to security personnel for quick action. (NAN)
Polycarp Auta
