Pandemonium broke out in Jos Central Business District, otherwise called Terminus, when a stray police bullet hit a trader, during a clash between commercial motorcyclists and law enforcement agents.
The incident happened on Monday when police personnel from the ‘C’ Division operational area of the Plateau State Police Command were on a routine check at the busy Ahmadu Bello Way in the Terminus Area of the capital.
Immediately after the death of the teenager, it led to protests from aggrieved youths who demanded the arrest and prosecution of the personnel involved in the incident.
Chairman of the market, Yahaya Umar, said they commenced business in the morning when they suddenly heard that one of their members was shot dead by the police.
“The incident forced traders to hurriedly close their shops and take to their heels,” the witness said reinforcement of security personnel brought normalcy to the area and relief to traders and shop owners as well.
“They came around our market and arrested a commercial motorcyclist, who they felt had disobeyed them. They started shooting at our shops while no one had offended them. They killed one of our members who is an innocent trader.
“We have deposited the corpse of the 17- year-old boy at the morgue of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH),
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Bartholomew Onyeka, in a press release on Monday condemned the killing of the 17-year-old.
CP Onyeka described the incident as a paradox, asserting that police officers are empowered by law to bear firearms to save the citizenry and not kill them.
He assured the family and friends of the deceased and Plateau residents that the incidents would be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty will face justice.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, confirmed the incident and promised further action on the matter.
