A clearance operation targeting street traders at the Jos terminus market in Plateau State turned deadly on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others.
The joint task force, comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration, and Operation Rainbow, encountered fierce resistance from a mob during the operation. The task force was conducting the clearance to maintain order and sanity in the market.
The situation escalated when an officer from one of the sister agencies fired a warning shot that tragically struck a police officer, killing him instantly. Five other individuals sustained injuries during the chaos.
Plateau State Police Commissioner Emmanuel Adesina visited the scene to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident. He confirmed that the security operative who fired the shot has been arrested and is currently under investigation.
“The incident is under thorough investigation. The officer responsible for the shot is in custody, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” Adesina stated.
The deceased officer’s body has been transferred to the mortuary for an autopsy. Authorities have since restored normalcy to the market area, with security personnel remaining on site to enforce order.
This incident highlights the volatile nature of market clearance operations and the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.