Plateau Imposes Curfew on Three LGAs After Fresh Security Threats

The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following heightened security concerns and reports of attacks and reprisal incidents in parts of the state.

The curfew, announced on Monday, requires residents of the three LGAs to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice. Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Lohya said the measure was introduced to give security agencies room to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Residents have been directed to organise their commercial, agricultural and other activities around the restricted hours. Security agencies have also been instructed to enforce the curfew across the three local government areas.

The state government has additionally banned the use of motorcycles within the affected areas as part of measures aimed at addressing the security situation. It assured law-abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the restrictions would operate professionally.

The restrictions follow a series of reported attacks, attempted attacks and reprisal incidents in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu. Security forces have increased patrols and deployments in the affected communities as authorities seek to prevent further escalation.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, troops recently responded to a reported attack at Marit Junction in Barkin Ladi, where two residents were attacked. One of the victims, identified as 53-year-old Reverend Andy Samuel, was reportedly killed, while another sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The publication reported that troops later came under attack after leaving the hospital, in what security sources described as a suspected reprisal attack linked to earlier violence in several Barkin Ladi communities. Reinforcements were deployed, with air support also reportedly provided by Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft.

Security forces reportedly repelled the attackers and prevented the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities. Troops are continuing patrols and operations in the area, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.