By Marie-Therese Naanlong
Terminus area in the heart of Jos North, the Plateau State capital is a cardinal melting point for the people of Jos Metropolis.
The scar on the citizenry left by the twin bomb explosion in the area ten years ago has largely been healed with the Terminus regaining its bustle and bubble.
However, only this time, the chaos and disorder that had reigned in the Terminus area in the past have been largely removed.
Even more, the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration has added to the pull to Terminus by making it the hub of its well-applauded bus transport system.
There is no gainsaying that the bus system is one of the legacies of the Mutfwang administration that has consolidated the government as a performing government.
Although the rowdiness by the activities of street traders and hawkers has been controlled in recent months, the metro buses deployed by the State government for intra-city transportation at a subsidized rate of N200 have added to the influx of people who patronize the buses to cut the high cost of transportation.
So, when residents on Tuesday morning heard the rumour of an explosive device found in the area, they were worried about the devastation any explosion would cause and heaved a sigh of relief when both the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and the State Police Command confirmed that the rumour was a false alarm.
Governor Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said the alarm was a false one, triggered by “A group of individuals who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat, leading to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area. Security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the Plateau State Police Command, responded swiftly, conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene, and after an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found.”
The Governor urged citizens to remain vigilant and to act as responsible ambassadors of the State, upholding its reputation and rich heritage, and called on the people to focus their efforts on supporting the government’s mission for sustainable peace and prosperity.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo explained, “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 Murtala Mohammed 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 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 Governor and the CP commended the citizens for being security conscious and called for continued support and cooperation.
Be that as it may, lovers of peace in the State should be vigilant and rise against anyone or group who may want to take advantage of the growing population at the Terminus area to cause havoc to innocent people.
Naanlong is a Jos based journalist.