Plateau: University student among three dead in Jos-Bukuru clash

The clash between the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Task Force and protesting street vendors (traders) in Bukuru town of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, has cost no fewer than three lives.

JMDB is charged with the responsibility of stopping illegal street marketing and businesses in the Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.

The two groups clashed on Monday, where a 200-level law student from the University of Jos (UniJos) was shot dead instantly while the other two died later as a result of the gunshots that culminated in the clash.

Several others are seriously injured and receiving treatment in the hospitals.

The attack on some officials of the Task Force mandated to enforce Executive Order 003 of the state government unfortunately resulted in the clash, resulting in the loss of three persons, including the destruction of property belonging to traders and innocent patrons.

The first time the Task Force and street hoodlums clashed was last month in Jos, where a policeman in error shot another police officer who died immediately.

The Executive Order 003 is also aimed at regulating the indiscriminate erection of buildings and uncontrolled vehicular traffic within the Jos-Bukuru Master Plan.

A statement yesterday by the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Julie Sanda, condemned the unfortunate attack which took place at Negat Market in Bukuru, describing it as a threat to the hard-earned peace in the area.

Sanda commiserated with those who tragically lost loved ones and were adversely affected by the unfortunate incident.

She noted that Executive Order 003 is aimed at regulating the indiscriminate erection of buildings and uncontrolled vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos-Bukuru Master Plan; adding that the skirmishes which led to the loss should be roundly condemned by all peace-loving citizens of Plateau State.

According to her, “We urge all persons concerned to seek non-violent approaches to seeking solutions to whatever concerns and grievances they might harbour with respect to the ongoing exercise which is meant to restore orderliness and ensure the security of lives and property of all citizens.”

The statement commended the security operatives for their prompt response in quelling the unfortunate situation and for their utmost professionalism in addressing the situation.

Also, a statement yesterday by the Acting Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Plateau State, Shittu Bamaiyi, said that the APC had earlier advised the Plateau State government on the implementation strategy of the Executive Order 003 concerning the Jos Master Plan.

Bamaiyi said that APC is therefore not surprised by Monday’s ugly and avoidable development in Bukuru arising from the operations of the task force on the implementation of the Executive Order 003 which from all indications is totally counter-productive and crude in conduct.

According to the APC spokesman in the state, “The entire exercise right from inception was replete with planlessness, carelessness, and timelessness which have resulted in the present skirmishes both in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

“In the first place, the PDP-led government should have known that any policy or action that touches on the economic well-being of the people at this material time, no matter how well intended, ought to be cautiously implemented in order to avoid any backlash.

“For lives to be lost, property destroyed and businesses reduced to rubble in the name of giving Jos and Bukuru towns facelift is totally unacceptable and uncalled for. There is, therefore, the need for the government to review the implementation strategy of the Executive Order to avoid further unpleasant consequences.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has expressed sadness over the attack on some security personnel attached to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Task Force by criminal elements at Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, while in the execution of their lawful duties.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, said the task force came to Bukuru to carry out their lawful assignment but they were attacked by some armed hoodlums who began to destroy the property of innocent citizens, adding that about six cars were set ablaze.

“When all efforts to disperse them failed, one of the personnel fired a warning shot into the air in an attempt to scare them away. Unfortunately, one Nasiu Abudakar, a trader from Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area, was shot dead,” Alabo stated.

Angered by the development, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has condemned in very strong terms the attack on the task force responsible for enforcing Executive Order 003 by some criminal elements.

The Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos Master Plan. The sad incident occurred on Monday at the Bukuru market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the joint Task Force.

Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of the miscreants, who not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders.

He emphasized that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.

The Governor lamented the reckless behaviour of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.

Governor Mutfwang condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens.

He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay, reiterating the State government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively.

Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard Jos from deteriorating into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.

Mutfwang appealed to religious and community leaders in the affected area to guide their followers against unlawful conduct and implement measures to thwart criminal elements who may exploit the situation to cause disorder.

He expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges, sympathizing with members of the public whose vehicles and other property were vandalised as a result of the incident.