Gunmen ambushed security operatives attached to Operation Rainbow in Bariki Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, killing a policeman. The attack occurred along the Gagshi Road in the local government area. A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack, stating that it happened around 4 pm.
In a separate incident, three civilians were killed at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Tuesday. A community leader, Mr. Lawrence Gyang, reported that one person and two unidentified women were killed in broad daylight while attending a funeral. The victims were among mourners who had gathered for the funeral when the incident occurred.
The incidents brought the reported death toll to four, amid renewed attacks in parts of Barkin Ladi, where the government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday. President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the ambush and narrowly escaped being caught up in the incident. He described the latest development as an indication that the security situation in the state was taking a "bigger dimension."
Mwantiri stated that the attacks were no longer confined to nighttime, with incidents now occurring in broad daylight. He urged security personnel and other relevant authorities not to relent in their efforts to protect lives and property and restore peace to affected communities. The security situation in the state has taken a turn for the worse, with attacks becoming more frequent and brazen.
Despite the curfew, tensions continue to increase in Barkin Ladi and adjoining communities, following a series of attacks in parts of the LGA areas in recent days. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries as of the time of this report. The lack of official response has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government's response to the security crisis.
The Plateau State government had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in an effort to curb the violence, but the latest incidents suggest that the security situation remains volatile. The government has been urged to take more decisive action to address the root causes of the violence and restore peace to the affected communities.
The violence has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people in the affected areas. The government and security agencies have been urged to work together to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attacks. The situation remains tense, with residents living in fear of further violence.
Key points
- A policeman and three civilians were killed in separate incidents in Plateau State, Nigeria, amid renewed attacks and a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
