The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that a Chief Superintendent of Police and three civilians were killed in separate attacks in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state. The incidents occurred barely hours after the Plateau State Government enforced a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu following renewed security threats.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, gunmen opened fire on security operatives attached to Operation Rainbow on Tuesday night along Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos. One security operative was killed in the ambush, prompting an immediate investigation to identify and apprehend the attackers.
Three civilians were also reported killed in another attack at Rakok (Kafi Abu) in Barkin Ladi, further escalating tension in the area. The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) has strongly criticised the effectiveness of the curfew, describing the latest violence as evidence that the measure is failing to protect citizens.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, the association condemned what it called coordinated attacks on Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa, and Rakung communities on Monday night, allegedly carried out by armed assailants. The group expressed deep grief over the killing of 22-year-old Henry Elisha of Rakwok, a young father of two.
The BYM said mourners at his burial on Tuesday, including its national president, were trapped when attackers reportedly engaged security personnel in a gun battle around the community. The association argued that the curfew currently restricts only law-abiding citizens, while attackers continue to move freely.
The BYM called for immediate security operations around identified enclaves and routes used by attackers, sustained security presence along the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos and Barkin Ladi-Gashish roads, and intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend perpetrators. The group also urged authorities to ensure protection during funerals and other essential community activities.
The association demanded a review of the curfew's implementation to ensure it genuinely protects lives rather than exposing citizens to greater danger. The BYM said, "The people of Plateau State are tired of burying their sons and daughters," calling on the Plateau State Government, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to treat the renewed attacks as an urgent threat to rural communities.
Key points
- The Plateau State Government has enforced a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu following renewed security threats.
- The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM) criticised the effectiveness of the curfew, describing the latest violence as evidence that the measure is failing to protect citizens.
- The association called for immediate security operations around identified enclaves and routes used by attackers, sustained security presence along the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos and Barkin Ladi-Gashish roads, and intelligence-driven efforts to apprehend perpetrators.
