Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a curfew on three local government areas in the state, effective from September 21. The affected areas are Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, where movement is restricted from 6 pm to 6 am until further notice. This move aims to enable security agencies to stabilize the affected communities and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, announced the measure, stating that it was necessary to maintain public order and curb emerging security threats in the region. The government also banned 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 follow a series of attacks reported across Plateau, including the killing of at least nine people in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and neighboring communities between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The victims included a pastor and other residents reportedly attacked while traveling or heading to church. The renewed violence has raised fears of reprisal attacks.
In a separate incident at Marit Junction in Barkin Ladi, military sources reported that 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 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, organize their commercial, agricultural, and personal activities around the restricted hours, and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore stability. The government aims to protect lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order in the affected areas.
The curfew and motorcycle ban are part of the government's efforts to address the security challenges in Plateau State. Residents are expected to adhere to the new regulations to ensure their safety and the stability of the region. The government has assured that it will continue to work with security agencies to restore peace and order in the state.
Key points
- The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs to curb emerging security threats.
- The curfew and motorcycle ban aim to enable security agencies to stabilize the affected communities and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
- The renewed violence in Plateau State has raised fears of reprisal attacks, prompting the government to take measures to restore stability.
