Jos, the capital of Plateau State, was heavily militarised on Friday following rumours that Muslims were planning a protest after the Jumaat prayer at Terminus Market.

The development prompted security agencies to deploy armed personnel across strategic locations in the city, particularly around Terminus, the commercial hub of the state capital.

Earlier, Islamic youth leaders in Jos and Bukuru met with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bassey Ewah, where they clarified that no protest had been planned.

According to the youth leaders, Muslims intended to return to their homes after the Friday prayers to continue their Ramadan fasting activities.

Despite the assurances, residents woke up on Friday to a heavy security presence across major parts of the city, with the concentration of personnel around Terminus Market.

Some residents who passed through the area expressed surprise at the large deployment of security operatives, noting that it created the impression that the city was under a security threat.

However, the security personnel maintained order and did not harass residents.

Business activities also continued in parts of the area as traders opened their shops and attended to customers.

Security operatives deployed included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilante groups.

The Commissioner of Police also conducted a security tour of Jos and Bukuru to assess the situation and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Residents later expressed confidence that the proactive deployment of security agencies would help prevent any unforeseen disturbances in the city. (Guardian)

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