The Plateau State Government and the Plateau State Police Command denied viral reports of a bomb explosion in Jos, on Tuesday, a situation that sent residents scampering for safety the capital.
According to them, there was no explosion but the discovery of items that looked like improvised explosive devises. They described what happened as “only a bomb scare.”
The reports had quoted eyewitnesses who claimed that the blast occurred around 10:30 am near the densely populated Terminus market area.
Emergency services, including the police, fire department, and ambulance teams, were reported to have rushed to the scene.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Gyang Bere, told the Punch newspaper that “There was nothing like an explosion in Jos today.
“It was a bomb scare. People just came and there was a heap of polythene bags like that. And then they just raised the alarm and the bomb squad came.
“Then, they searched. Then, there was nothing. So, that created panic among people. But there was nothing like that. In fact, it was a false alarm. People are going about their normal businesses. The road to that place now is clear, people are passing.
“When the anti-bomb squad came to that place, they looked at it and there was nothing. You know, when you have this anti-bomb squad condoning the whole place, people get scared because they needed to find out what happened there.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Alfred Alabo, corroborated the governor’s explanation. In a he issued on Tuesday, the PPRO said the command received a report that an Improvised Explosive Device had been allegedly planted around Murtala Way, Jos.
“The rumour created panic among the residents of the state,” Alabo continued. “Upon receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, 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.”
