Plateau Attacks: Police Officer, Four Others Killed Despite Curfew

At least five people, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, have been killed in fresh attacks on communities in Plateau State despite the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government.

The latest attacks occurred on Tuesday night in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, with the Plateau State Police Command confirming the death of a senior police officer and three civilians in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, gunmen attacked security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow along Gagshi Road, between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

One of the security operatives, a Chief Superintendent of Police, was killed in the attack.

Three civilians were also reportedly killed in a separate attack at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi.

The police said investigations had commenced to identify those behind the attacks and bring them to justice.

Alabo said, “Investigations are ongoing to unravel the perpetrators of the attack and ensure justice is served.”

Meanwhile, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement reported another attack at the boundary between Kyikyau Community and Gyambwas in Mangu Halle District.

According to the group, three men who were keeping watch over their community were ambushed by armed attackers at about 7:39 p.m., during the curfew period.

The attacks have renewed concerns among community groups over the effectiveness of the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association also reported the killing of a 22-year-old man during attacks on Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa and Rakung communities in Barkin Ladi on Monday night.

Community groups have called for stronger security operations, improved patrols, faster response and intelligence-led operations, arguing that movement restrictions alone may not prevent armed attackers from operating during curfew hours.

The Plateau State Government had imposed the curfew as part of measures to contain renewed security threats in the affected areas.

The police have urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as investigations into the latest attacks continue.