Curfew Fails to Stop Fresh Attacks in Plateau, as Police Officer, Civilians Killed

A Chief Superintendent of Police and three civilians were killed in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, according to the Plateau State Police Command. This surge in violence has raised concerns over the effectiveness of a recently imposed curfew, aimed at curbing insecurity.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed that gunmen ambushed security operatives along Gagshi Road, killing one officer before a second attack claimed the lives of three civilians in Rakok. The attacks took place hours after the curfew, which requires residents to remain indoors from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Despite the curfew's enforcement, the Berom Youth Moulders‑Association (BYM) criticized its failure to protect citizens. The group condemned coordinated attacks on several communities, including the killing of 22-year-old Henry Elisha, a young father who died while under the curfew. BYM expressed anguish over the loss of life and called for urgent security measures to address the pattern of attackers evading detection, striking, retreating, and returning to attack again.

BYM urged authorities to increase security presence around known attack routes, particularly along the Barkin Ladi–Bokkos and Barkin Ladi–Gashish roads. They also demanded better protection during community activities, such as funerals, to prevent additional violence. The group demanded a review of the curfew's implementation to ensure it genuinely safeguards lives instead of putting citizens at further risk.

They emphasized that the people of Plateau State are weary of burying their loved ones and called on the government, the military, and police to treat the renewed attacks as an urgent threat to rural communities.