The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that reports of a bomb scare in Jos on Tuesday were false, calming fears after initial eyewitness accounts had raised concerns among residents.

According to a statement by the police public relations officer, Alfred Alabo, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded promptly to a report of a shallow dug hole, suspected to contain an improvised explosive device (IED), along Murtala Mohammed Way near the old JUTH fence. This discovery initially alarmed locals, leading to reports of an attempted bombing.

On arrival, officers from the anti-bomb squad secured the area and conducted a thorough examination of the site. “Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices,” the police statement confirmed. The Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, and other senior officials also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment to reassure residents.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang addressed the situation, clarifying that the scare was triggered by a group of individuals who mistakenly interpreted a pile of polythene bags as an IED. He commended the quick response of the police and other security personnel, who handled the situation with care, swiftly clearing the area and verifying there was no actual threat.