By Golok Nanmwa
Panic gripped residents of Maraban Foron in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday evening after security operatives reportedly fired gunshots during an arrest operation in the area.
The incident, which occurred at about 7 p.m., threw the community into confusion as residents fled for safety.
A resident, Bulus Pam, said the sound of gunfire triggered fear across the area, with many people running in different directions.
He alleged that the operation involved a joint team of security operatives, including personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which caused widespread panic.
Pam added that a few residents sustained injuries while trying to escape the scene.
He further said the situation was worsened by the fact that the incident coincided with the community’s market day, forcing traders to hurriedly shut their shops, while others abandoned their goods and fled.
According to him, the development rekindled memories of the recent violence in Angwan Rukuba, heightening fears of a possible fresh attack.
“The moment we heard gunshots, people started running. Everyone was afraid because of what happened recently in other parts of the state,” a resident said.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Movement (BYM), Rwang Tenglong, also confirmed the incident to newsmen, noting that it caused panic in the community and left a few persons injured.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact reason for the operation and the identity of the person arrested could not be ascertained.
Efforts to get official confirmation from security agencies were unsuccessful as of the time of sending this report.
However, residents called for calm and urged security agencies to conduct operations in a manner that would not create panic among civilians.
It could be recalled that gunmen had stormed Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau on Palm Sunday, killing over 30 persons.
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