Gunshots in Jos as traders resist truck seizure operation

DDM News

Gunshots rang out in Jos on Saturday as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) clashed with traders during an enforcement operation.

The incident occurred at the S.O Plaza shopping complex, during a joint operation by the NSCDC and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the enforcement team had moved to impound a heavy-duty vehicle they claimed was violating truck movement restrictions within the city.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was parked within the plaza premises and not on the public road, contradicting official claims of traffic obstruction.

Tension escalated when security operatives allegedly began firing shots and beating a young worker during the seizure.

A video from the scene, now circulating on social media, shows the truck stationary and away from any major traffic path.

The development angered traders and residents, who decried what they described as brutality by the JMDB task force and NSCDC officers.

Solomon Okeke, the owner of S.O Plaza, condemned the raid and accused the authorities of recklessness and abuse of power.

He recalled a similar event in August last year when JMDB operatives reportedly shot out six tires of a parked truck within the same premises.

Okeke said the recurring raids have caused financial losses and endangered the safety of citizens and businesses in the area.

He alleged that the latest operation also involved the confiscation of goods and the assault of a 19-year-old staff member.

According to him, the young man was beaten, stripped of his clothes, and taken away by the operatives, with no information on his whereabouts.

This has intensified outrage in Bukuru and other parts of Jos, where residents are calling for a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Community members want Governor Caleb Mutfwang to urgently address the growing complaints of excessive force by JMDB officers.

Many argue that the pattern of property destruction and heavy-handed tactics undermines trust in public agencies.

Human rights observers in the state say the actions of the task force may constitute violations of both civil rights and due process.

Local traders are demanding compensation for damaged goods and an apology from the authorities involved.

The Plateau State government has yet to issue an official statement, and repeated efforts to contact JMDB General Manager, Architect Hart Bankat, were unsuccessful.

Civic groups and business owners are urging government officials to engage stakeholders and ensure that future enforcement operations follow the law.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC has not confirmed whether any of its officers discharged firearms or participated in acts of violence.

This latest clash adds to the growing list of tensions between security agencies and civilians in Nigeria’s urban centers.

Many Nigerians believe better training, oversight, and accountability mechanisms are urgently needed to prevent the misuse of force.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor developments in Jos and provide updates as the story unfolds.

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