The attackers, suspected to oppose the city renewal efforts led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, also targeted passersby, injuring many.
A resident, Usman Ibrahim, described the chaos: “It was this afternoon in the Bukuru community around 2 PM. We saw some officials of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board as they arrived in the community and moved to a site which they earlier cleared before.
“As soon as they began to mark the site, some hoodlums emerged and started throwing stones at the officials and said they would not allow any project in the area. Before you knew it, they started burning cars parked along the road and attacking innocent passers-by.
“They also set some houses ablaze. So everybody started running and that is what happened.”
The quick response of security agents prevented further escalation. Residents condemned the hoodlums’ actions and called on the government and security forces to apprehend those responsible.
“The government and security agents must go after those trying to foment trouble and breach the peace in the city of Jos and other parts of the state to enable Plateau to make progress,” urged one resident.
The Spokesman for the state Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and said the situation has been brought under control. Bu investigation had commenced to unravel remote cause of the unfortunate incident.
Alfred said, “Yes, we are aware of the incident in Bukuru. Our men have been deployed to the community. I cannot tell you what caused the problem, but we have started an investigation and we will let you know when we are done. But the situation is calm now.”