The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has condemned in strong terms the obstruction, threats and intimidation allegedly faced by some of its personnel while carrying out a routine sanitation exercise around the Chobe/Yankaji area of Jos.

The exercise formed part of PEPSA’s statutory responsibility to ensure that public spaces, markets and areas where food and other essential commodities are handled comply with acceptable sanitation, environmental and public health standards.

The exercise was conducted alongside leaders of the market as part of the Agency’s sustained stakeholder engagement aimed at ensuring that market operators understand and comply with their sanitation responsibilities.

However, the Agency said the situation took an unfortunate turn when some market operators allegedly prevented PEPSA personnel from carrying out the exercise.

The Yankaji area, an important location for the preparation and sale of meat to residents of Plateau State, has continued to raise sanitation and environmental health concerns. According to PEPSA, despite repeated attention to the need for improved sanitation, the premises have not been adequately cleaned and maintained.

PEPSA said its personnel were met with resistance upon arrival to carry out the sanitation exercise, with the situation escalating into threats and intimidation. Security personnel subsequently intervened and evacuated the PEPSA team and market union officials from the premises for their safety.

The Agency further disclosed that, during the process of securing the evacuation, one person sustained an injury and is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.

PEPSA said the injured person is being properly cared for, while the Agency continues to monitor the situation.

The Agency described the development as deeply concerning, stressing that government officials performing lawful duties should not be subjected to threats, intimidation or mob action.

PEPSA noted that while sanitation enforcement may sometimes generate disagreements among affected individuals and businesses, such disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, engagement and established legal channels rather than threats, physical obstruction or confrontation.

The Agency therefore called on traders, market leaders, residents and other stakeholders to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of further escalating the situation.

PEPSA also appealed to members of the public to allow the relevant authorities to address the matter appropriately and peacefully.

The Agency expressed appreciation to the security personnel who responded promptly to the incident and helped secure the safe evacuation of its personnel and other stakeholders from the area.

PEPSA reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities across Plateau State, stressing that the protection of public health and the environment remains paramount.

The Agency maintained that intimidation or mob action must not be allowed to undermine legitimate sanitation and environmental protection activities.

It consequently urged market leaders, traders, residents and all stakeholders to cooperate with government officials and support collective efforts to promote cleaner, safer and healthier communities across Plateau State.

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PEPSA Condemns Threats, Obstruction of Officials During Jos Market Sanitation Exercise