Sequel to the attack on security operatives attached to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Taskforce in Bukuru Market, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, the State Police Command has warned criminal elements to either desist from such activities or flee the state.
DAILY POST recalls that in March 2024, the Plateau State Government had set up the aforementioned taskforce under Executive Order 003 to clear indiscriminate street trading, parking, and unauthorized building among other activities.
Addressing journalists on the Executive Order 003 on March 12, 2024, the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Arch Hart Bankat, said, “As you are aware, the growing population in Plateau State has led to an increase in vehicular traffic and the haphazard construction of buildings, which has resulted in congestion and safety hazards in our cities.
“To address these challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our state, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued Executive Order No. 003, 2024.
According to him, “This executive order aims to regulate the construction of buildings and the flow of vehicular traffic in Plateau State.
“Under this order, all new building projects must obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations. UnauthoriSed constructions will be demolished in accordance with the law,” he explained.
“Furthermore, the order also aims to streamline vehicular traffic by implementing traffic management measures, such as designated parking spaces, traffic lights, and road signage.
“Violators of traffic rules will face strict penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment,” he maintained.
Sadly, despite over a month of sensitization of the citizenry on the need to adhere to the order, some people are still bent on resisting it.
However, the Police, through its State Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, on Tuesday said, “The Plateau State Command is saddened over the attack on some security personnel attached to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Taskforce by criminal elements in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, while executing their lawful duties.
According to him, “On June 17, 2024, at about 2 pm, the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) Taskforce, which is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the greater Jos master plan, came to Bukuru to execute the state government’s executive orders.
“While in the process, they were attacked by some armed hoodlums who began to destroy the properties of innocent citizens. About six cars were set ablaze, and an estimated number of other properties were damaged.
“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 Nasiru Abubakar, a trader from Bukuru, Jos South LGA, was shot dead,” he explained.
“Upon receiving the situation report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, immediately visited the scene with some members of his management team to assess the situation on the ground.
“He further directed the DCP in charge of operations to ensure adequate deployment of policemen to the scene to restore normalcy to the area.
“Additionally, the CP has ordered all Area Commanders and DPOs within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to intensify patrol and surveillance activities to forestall any further breakdown of law and order within the state.
“On this note, CP Olugbemiga Adesina warned all persons with criminal intentions within the state to either desist from such activities or flee the state, as the Police Command under his leadership remains resolute in the fight against crime and criminality.”
The CP encouraged residents of the state to comply with all the policies of the government, as they are meant for the peace, progress, and general development of the state.
Attack on JMDB task force: Police confirm one dead, warn criminal elements to flee