Mutfwang, Police Call for Calm as Bomb Scare Causes Panic in Jos, Plateau

*13 die as mining site collapses in state

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has called for calm, dismissing rumours of an alleged explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the old site of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) near Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area.
There was pandemonium and tension in Jos on yesterday morning following a rumour that a parcel suspected to be an IED was dropped at the railway station near Terminus market.
Residents scampered to safety as business owners hurriedly shut down their shops.
But in a statement by his Director of Press, Gyang Bere, the governor clarified that the alarm was a false one, triggered by a group of individuals, who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat, adding that their report led to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area.
The governor explained that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the state Police Command responded swiftly, conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene. He assured that after an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found.
Also reassuring citizens, the Police command dispelled the rumour and advised members of the public to go about their duties without fear.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Alfred Alabo, read: “In the early hours of today, the 12th day of November, 2024 at exactly 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.
“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.
“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.”

13 Killed as Mining Site Collapses in Plateau

Meanwhile, no fewer than 13 persons have died in a collapsed mining site in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Joshua Riti, confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday in Jos.
Riti, who expressed sadness over the number of deaths recorded, said the collapsed mining site was located at the boundaries between Bassa, Jos South and Jos North LGAs, adding that seven of the deceased hailed from Bassa LGA.
“This is an unfortunate incident. These young people were only out in search of a means of livelihood. They went out to put their energies to good use to sustain and meet up with the current economic hardship in the country but met their untimely death.
“I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”