There were panic in Jos, Plateau State capital on Tuesday morning following a rumour that a parcel of suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device was dropped at the Railway close to Terminus area of the city, which is usually a beehive of business activities.
9News Nigeria correspodent reports that the information created tension as residents scampered for safety while business owners hurriedly shut down their businesses.
But the Plateau State Police Command dispelled the rumour and advised the public to go about their duties without fear.
A statement signed by DSP Alfred Alabo the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), made available to newsmen reads that:
“In the early hours of today 12th day of November 2024 at about 08:20am, the Plateau State Police Command received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Ahmadu Bello way beside old JUTH fence which created panic among the residents of the state.
Upon receiving this report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, 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.
The statement added upon reaching the scene, the area was immediately cordoned and our EOD Team began examination.
Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on the spot assessment.
The CP wishes to commend the good people of Plateau State for being Security conscious, and cooperating with the Police throughout the exercise.
He therefore urges them to go about their normal business activities without fear, as the area is safe and free of any threats to lives and properties.
-9News Nigeria.