NSCDC, traders clash over sanitation exercise in Jos market

One person was injured and several vehicles were damaged on Thursday following a confrontation between operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and traders at Chorbe Market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident, which occurred during an attempt to enforce a weekly sanitation exercise, triggered panic around the market and adjoining communities as residents and traders reportedly fled the area when the confrontation escalated. The injured trader was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Blueprint reports

Dispute begins over sanitation exercise

The confrontation reportedly began after officials of the market traders’ association invited NSCDC personnel to assist in enforcing the weekly sanitation exercise.

Some traders operating along the roadside, however, objected to the enforcement, arguing that their shops were outside the main market and that they were not members of the association responsible for the exercise.

The disagreement reportedly became heated after the affected traders resisted attempts to compel them to close their shops. According to accounts from traders, the dispute subsequently escalated into a confrontation involving the security personnel and some of the traders.

Trader injured as situation escalates

The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remained unclear as of the time of filing the report, with conflicting accounts emerging about how the trader sustained the injury.

Some traders alleged that armed NSCDC personnel opened fire during the confrontation, while other accounts indicated that the situation became increasingly disorderly as both sides faced off.

The injured trader was rushed to a nearby hospital, while several vehicles parked around the market and adjoining streets were reportedly damaged during the unrest.

The differing accounts have made the ongoing investigation by the NSCDC particularly important in establishing what happened, including the sequence of events that preceded the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the damage to vehicles.

Residents flee as panic spreads

The confrontation quickly created panic in and around Chorbe Market, with streets reportedly becoming deserted within minutes as residents and traders sought safety inside their homes.

The disturbance also spread fear to adjoining areas, including Apata, Alikazaure and Katako, as traders reportedly regrouped following the initial confrontation.

The development disrupted normal commercial activities in the area and heightened concerns among residents over the possibility of the confrontation spreading beyond the immediate vicinity of the market.

Similar tensions between traders and enforcement personnel have previously occurred in parts of Jos over issues relating to roadside trading, sanitation and the enforcement of environmental regulations.

Sanitation enforcement under scrutiny

The incident has again brought attention to the delicate balance between enforcing environmental and public-health regulations and ensuring that such enforcement does not escalate into confrontation.

Sanitation exercises are routinely undertaken by relevant authorities to maintain cleanliness and public-health standards in markets and other public spaces. However, disagreements over the scope of enforcement, particularly where roadside businesses are involved, can create tension if affected traders believe they fall outside the jurisdiction of the exercise.

A separate account of the Chorbe incident said environmental officials were carrying out a routine sanitation exercise around the Chobe/Yankaji area alongside market leaders when market operators allegedly obstructed the exercise, prompting security personnel to intervene and evacuate the officials. The account also confirmed that one person sustained an injury but did not attribute responsibility for the injury to any particular individual or group.

NSCDC begins investigation

Spokesperson of the Plateau State NSCDC Command, ASP NR Rimvyok, confirmed that the incident was being investigated.

The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the confrontation, determine how the trader was injured and examine the reports of property damage recorded during the incident.

The NSCDC’s response will also be important in clarifying the role played by its personnel in the enforcement exercise and whether established operational procedures were followed.

As of Thursday evening, there was no detailed official account from the NSCDC on the sequence of events beyond the confirmation that an investigation was underway.

Calls for calm

With tensions heightened in the affected communities, stakeholders are expected to exercise restraint and allow the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The development also underscores the need for clearer communication between market associations, traders and enforcement agencies before sanitation exercises are carried out, particularly where there are disputes over which businesses fall within the area covered by the exercise.

For residents and traders in the affected areas, the immediate priority remains a return to normalcy and the prevention of further confrontation while the investigation continues.

The authorities are expected to make their findings known as investigations progress and take appropriate action based on established facts.