‘One killed’ as task force enforces ban on street trading in Jos

One person has been reportedly killed after a task force team enforced a ban on street trading in Jos, capital city of Plateau state.

The incident, which occurred on Monday at Bukuru in Jos south LGA of the state, also saw the destruction of a number of vehicles.

Violence broke out after a trader was killed and two others injured as the task force made up of personnel of the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) enforced the ban.

This prompted the youth in Bukuru to set up blockades on the roads and burn tyres in protest.

Bello Muhammad, a youth leader in Bukuru, described the operation of the task force in the community as “sudden”.

“Some traders were going about their normal businesses, when suddenly armed security personnel deployed by JMBD descended on them,” Muhammad said.

“They shot three of our younger brothers, killed one, while two others got injured.”

The police are yet to comment on the incident.

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, has also condemned the alleged attack on members of the task force “enforcing the executive order on urban renewal”.

”I wish to express my deepest regret over the shameful action of these miscreants, who did not only targeted the task force but endangered the lives of traders,” the governor said.

”This market is designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities, so I appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.

”The reckless behaviour of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders is unacceptable.

”We condemn the incident which is entirely avoidable and we call on those flouting Executive Order 003 to desist from such act as their uncivilised action has resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens.”