Jos, the Plateau State capital was on Wednesday thrown into tension as a policeman was reportedly shot dead and five others injured following chaos that ensued in an attempt by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, JMDB to clear indiscriminate streets trading in the Terminus area.
AIT.live gathered, that trouble started when JMDB officials, along with security agencies, mostly police and the NCSDC, had gone to effect the Executive Order banning street trading in Terminus area when the traders suddenly went berserk and confronted them.
According to an eye witness who does not want his name mentioned said tension escalated when the police released canisters of tear gas to disperse the traders and hoodlums who were out to resist arrest, but in the process the securitymen shot into the air and a stray bullet hit one of the policemen, who died instantly.
However, the spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the death of the police officer, said the deceased was shot by an unidentified person from the crowd.
Alabo, denied the information that the police officer was shot by one of his colleagues, adding that the gunshot came from the crowd and that he was certified dead at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and said the Command has commenced an investigation into the incident with the aim of bringing the culprit to justice.
Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored to the troubled part of the city centre while security men are still combing the area to fish out those behind the attack on JMDB officials and security agencies.
Recall that the Plateau State Government, through Executive Order Number 3, banned the indiscriminate display of wares and goods within the business area to ensure free flow of traffic.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
