The terminus area of Jos, Plateau State capital was thrown into pandemonium early Tuesday when three improvised explosives were allegedly discovered at the Abuja market area in the city centre.
An eyewitness account said that the explosive ordinance disposal team of Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command early response to a distress call prevented the devices from explosion which would have caused serious damage and casualties in the crowded market.
The witness stated that the law enforcement officers detonated one of the devices which was about to explode, and had caused initial apprehension among residents in the city centre, while the other two devices were successfully evacuated by the disposal team.
However, the police in a press release signed by the command’s public relations officer, Alfred Alabo described the bomb scare as false.
The statement confirmed that police received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an improvised explosive device (IED) at Murtala Mohammed way beside the old Juth fence, creating panic among the residents of the state.
“Upon receiving this report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina immediately ordered the area commander metro and the officer in charge of the command’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit 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.”
“On reaching the scene, the area was immediately cordoned and our EOD team began the examination. Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices.” The police statement added.
The commissioner of police and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
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