A routine day of business at a bustling market in Jos turned chaotic after a confrontation between security personnel erupted, leaving traders and residents frightened and temporarily shutting down commercial activities.
Witnesses recounted that the altercation sparked when a soldier confronted a local phone technician over a repair gone wrong.
Tension escalated rapidly, leading to a physical clash involving additional soldiers and police officers who tried to intervene.
The incident happened around the GSM hub in Hamaz, a popular spot known for phone technicians and gadget dealers.
According to accounts circulated online, the disagreement intensified when the soldier allegedly accused the phone repairer of damaging his device.
As he attempted to forcefully apprehend the technician, a police officer stepped in and requested that the issue be addressed legally at a nearby police facility.
One of the bystanders who shared a post online claimed that the situation turned violent after the soldier called for reinforcement.
“It didn’t take long before a group of soldiers arrived in a Hilux truck and descended on the policeman,” the witness stated, alleging that the officer sustained injuries and lost his service weapon in the confrontation.
The brief clash forced traders to abandon their shops as fear of a shooting incident gripped the market.
According to some residents, the tension could have escalated into fatal violence. “People ran for safety because the officer had already cocked his gun, and any wrong move could have triggered something bigger,” a trader told our correspondent.
Security presence around the area was later intensified, with police operatives temporarily withdrawn.
Community leaders and market stakeholders were also said to have intervened to prevent the incident from spreading.
The Plateau State Police Command later reacted, confirming that the clash between its officers and military personnel was promptly addressed.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Alabo Alfred, the command said disciplinary measures had been taken against those involved.
He explained that authorities will not tolerate conduct that undermines public trust.
“The actions of the personnel involved were thoroughly reviewed, and sanctions have been imposed by the management of both agencies,” he stated, adding that wider security measures have been enacted to safeguard the public.
SP Alfred further assured residents that the matter has been resolved and urged the public to remain calm.
“This misunderstanding has been properly handled, and mechanisms are now in place to ensure such incidents do not reoccur,” he added.
The clash has once again raised concerns about inter-agency conflicts and their implications for public safety, especially in commercial areas where the presence of armed personnel is meant to reassure rather than frighten.