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Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on three local government areas following renewed killings and fears of retaliatory attacks in parts of the state.
The affected councils are Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, where movement has been restricted from 6pm to 6am until further notice. The directive took effect on Monday, September 21.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, said the measure was introduced to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected communities, protect lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“The Plateau State Government has declared an immediate, dusk-to-dawn curfew across Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas to maintain public order and curb emerging security threats in the region,” Ramnap said.
The government also ordered an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles across the three local government areas and directed security operatives to strictly enforce both the curfew and the motorcycle restriction.
The latest security measures followed a series of attacks reported across Plateau, including the killing of at least nine people in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Victims included a pastor and other residents reportedly attacked while travelling or heading to church.
The renewed violence has also raised fears of reprisal attacks.
In a separate incident at Marit Junction in Barkin Ladi, military sources cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama said troops responded after two residents were attacked, with one identified as 53-year-old Rev.
Andy Samuel reportedly killed and the second victim injured.
According to the report, troops later came under attack after leaving the hospital where the injured victim was taken.
Reinforcements from Sector 8, supported by other security personnel and Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, were deployed and reportedly repelled the attackers.
The security situation has continued to generate tension between communities, with separate reports also documenting attacks on Fulani residents and calls for investigations and restraint.
The Plateau Government has urged residents in the three affected councils to comply with the curfew, organise their commercial, agricultural and personal activities around the restricted hours, and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore stability.
