Early today, residents in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, experienced a surge of panic following widespread social media messages suggesting the presence of a bomb near the busy Terminus area. Fears escalated quickly as rumors of an explosive device spread, causing people to flee from the vicinity.
The Plateau State Police Command acted swiftly to clarify the situation. According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, the alarm was raised at 8:20 a.m. when a shallow hole suspected of containing an improvised explosive device (IED) was found along Murtala Mohammed Way, near the Old Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) fence. This discovery sparked immediate concern, with people in the neighborhood fearing a repeat of past violent incidents.
Responding promptly, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, mobilized a team to investigate the area. The Commissioner directed the Metro Area Commander and the Anti-Bomb Squad, also known as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, to inspect the location. The police quickly cordoned off the area, and bomb technicians meticulously examined the site. After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the hole was not a threat; no explosives were found.
CP Emmanuel Adesina assured residents that there was no danger, stating, “In the early hours of today, the 12th day of November 2024, at exactly 08:20 am, the Plateau State Police Command received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Murtala Mohammed Way beside Old JUTH fence, which created panic among the residents.
“Upon receiving this report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel 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 mobilise 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 examination. Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices. CP Emmanuel Adesina and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“The CP commends the 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.”
