Sporadic shootings near INEC office cause tension in Taraba capital

Sporadic shootings in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, have caused tension around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office and police headquarters. The cause of the shooting is unknown, but sources claim it may be due to a misunderstanding between some security agents guarding the INEC office. As a result of the shootings, shops, and markets abruptly shut down, and the streets were deserted while parents rushed to schools to take their children.

The situation has caused concern amongst residents, who are calling on security operatives to contain the situation before it escalates. Police spokesman, ASP Usman Abdullahi, did not respond to a text message sent to him by reporters at the time of filing this report. This incident comes after a similar episode of violence during the 2019 elections, which led to the suspension of the governorship elections in the state.

The Taraba state government, through its Commissioner for Information, Danjuma Adamu, has called on residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities while assuring them that the state government and security agencies are working towards maintaining peace and security.