By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
A confrontation between traders and security personnel at the renowned Terminus Market in Jos, Plateau State resulted in the tragic death of one policeman and serious injuries to five others.
According to reports obtained by Daily Sun, the altercation occurred yesterday morning at the prominent Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area, where security officers and task force members have been striving to eliminate street vending activity over the past few weeks. The deceased policeman was among the task force members assigned to eradicate unauthorized trading within the market.
Authorities from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) have been actively involved in removing illegal structures from the city center of Jos. The Plateau State Government had issued Executive Order Number 3, which prohibited the indiscriminate display of merchandise and the entry of heavy-duty vehicles into the commercial district, referred to as Greater Jos, in order to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
It was reported that JMDB officials, accompanied by security personnel from the police and civil defense, were enforcing the executive order when the traders suddenly became unruly and confronted the board officials and security personnel.
A chaotic clash ensued between the security forces and the traders, with the police deploying tear gas canisters to disperse the traders and hoodlums who were resisting arrest.
An eyewitness, Ibrahim Garuba, informed the press that during the dispersal attempt, a security officer fired a shot into the air, resulting in a stray bullet hitting one of the policemen who tragically lost his life instantly, while five traders sustained severe injuries.
Upon reaching out for a statement, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, verified the incident. He mentioned that an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the underlying cause of the clash.
