Crime

How Police Officer was Fatally Shot at Plateau Market

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 22nd, 2024.

How Police Officer was Fatally Shot at Plateau Market

A police officer assigned to the enforcement team of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board was fatally shot at a market in Jos.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area. Security personnel and taskforce officials have been attempting to curb street trading in the area for several weeks.

Eyewitnesses at the market provided various accounts of the event to The PUNCH in Jos.

Amina Mohammed, a trader, recounted, “There was chaos at the Terminus Market and Ahmadu Bello Way near Zenith Bank around 11:30 am on 22/05/2024. Security agents and task force officials arrived to enforce the state’s ban on street hawking. Facing resistance from traders, a Mobile Police Officer fired a shot, accidentally hitting his colleague. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he did not survive.”

Another trader, Haruna, attributed the officer’s death to hoodlums who refused to leave the area despite the enforcement efforts. He stated, “Hoodlums were present this morning. During an attempt to disperse traders setting up on the roadside, a shot was fired, and it struck a policeman. Unfortunately, he later died in the hospital.”

Plateau State Police Command Spokesperson, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances. “Yes, we are aware of the incident at Terminus Market. We are currently at the Jos Metropolitan Development Board’s office investigating the matter,” he said.