Thugs reject urban renewal, burn cars and houses in Jos

A violent uprising erupted in Bukuru metropolis, Jos South Local Government Area of ​​Plateau State on Monday afternoon, when thugs allegedly opposing the Jos urban renewal efforts of the state government led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, torched several cars and houses.

The thugs, who were heavily armed, attacked passers-by, injuring many, and fought officials of the Jos Urban Renewal Committee who had gone to clear a site in Bukuru community. The officers were reportedly pelted with stones, and their vehicles were damaged.

One of the residents, Usman Ibrahim, who witnessed the incident, described the chaos: “It happened this afternoon in the Bukuru Community area at around 14.00. We saw some officials of the Jos Metropolitan Development Council arriving at the community and moving to the site they had cleared earlier.

“As soon as they started marking the site, some goons appeared and started throwing stones at the officers, saying that they do not allow any project in the area. Before you know it, they start burning cars parked along the road and attacking innocent people. They also burned several houses.”

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Violence spread quickly, with thugs rampaging through communities, burning cars and houses, and attacking anyone who got in their way. The situation was brought under control with the rapid deployment of security agents, which restored order and prevented further damage.

Community members condemned the actions of the thugs, and urged the government and security forces to take firm action against those who try to violate the peace.

“This kind of violence is unacceptable,” said one resident. “We urge the government to take action against those responsible and ensure peace is maintained in our communities.”

Spokesperson for the state Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident and said investigations had begun.

“Yes, we are aware of the incident in Bukuru. Our people have been deployed into the community. We are investigating the cause of this issue and will take appropriate action against those responsible.”

The incident occurred after Governor Mutfwang signed an Executive Order to control illegal building construction and traffic in the state.

JMDB General Manager, Hart Bankat, said the order was aimed at ensuring the implementation of the Greater Jos Master Plan and preventing building collapses in the state.

“Executive Order No. 003, 2024 is important considering the haphazard erection of buildings and drastically reduced traffic control in the Greater Jos Master Plan, as well as the prevalence of building collapses in the state,” Bankat said.

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