By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)
A Police Officer attached to the Enforcement Team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) has been shot dead in Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
9News Nigeria correspondent learnt that that incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the Security Agents Task Force Officials were battling to clear the area of the street trading, which has been ongoing for several week as a result of the banning of street trading in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
Confirming the shooting and death of the Police Officer, a trader identified as Aminu Mohammed said the tragic incident led to tension and confusion at the market.
Mohammed said the victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
He said: “There was tension and confusion at the Terminus Market and Ahmadu Bello way axis in Jos North Local Government this morning 11:30am 22/05/2024.
“From what I gathered some of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board Task Force Officials and Security Agencies came this morning to carry out enforcement of the State law banning street hawking.
“You know they have been facing resistance from some of the traders. So, in an attempt to maintain law and order, an Officer fired a shot and the stray bullet hit his colleague on duty creating panic.
“I learnt that although the victim was taken to the hospital and he later died”.
Another source who claimed anonimity, blamed the death of the cop on hoodlums who he said have vowed not to vacate the area despite the enforcement drive.
He added “Many of hoodlums were lurking around this morning. Suddenly, we heard a gunshot when the Security agents were trying to disperse some traders who had stated displaying their wares on the road side against the instruction of the Task Force Officials. Unfortunately, the bullet hit one of the Policemen who I learnt later died after he was rushed to the hospital”.
Reacting, the Plateau State Police Command Spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, said an investigation had begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Yes, we are aware of the incident at the Terminus Market. Right now, we are in the office of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board over the matter. So, we are investigating it”, he said.
-9News Nigeria.
