On Tuesday, a suspected explosion reportedly rocked a terminal market in Jos, Plateau State, causing alarm in the area. Businesses in the vicinity temporarily closed, and residents were advised to evacuate as a safety measure. Counter-insurgence expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on his social media, noting that as of the latest reports, there were no casualties.

Security forces quickly responded by setting up checkpoints at key points along Old Juth Road near the new Orthopaedic Hospital to control access and ensure safety. Makama later clarified that the incident appeared to be the result of a tire burst, which initially sparked panic as people scrambled to escape. “The anti-bomb squad was swift in its response and confirmed that it was only a tire that burst, prompting the initial reaction,” Makama stated, adding that further updates from officials might follow as more information becomes available.

The Plateau Police Command released a statement to address the incident. According to Alfred Alabo, the Command’s spokesperson, the police received a report at around 8:20 a.m. about a suspicious hole at Murtala Way near the former Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) site, which was initially feared to contain an improvised explosive device (IED). This news caused concern among locals. Acting quickly, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina mobilized the Anti-Bomb Squad, which cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough search, ultimately finding the site free of any explosives.

Commissioner Adesina, who also visited the scene, urged the public to continue with their normal activities, reassuring residents that the area was safe and that there was no threat of any explosive devices.