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The Plateau Government has responded to a new wave of violence in parts of the state with an immediate curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas.
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The three affected local government areas will remain under a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew until further notice. Farmers, traders, workers, travellers and other residents have been directed to complete their movements before the restriction takes effect each evening.
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The decision follows attacks that reportedly killed at least nine people in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
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The government has also directed security agencies to enforce an immediate ban on motorcycles in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu.
September 22, (THEWILL) – The Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on three local government areas following a fresh wave of attacks that reportedly left several people dead and heightened tension across affected communities.
The curfew, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, covers Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas, with movement restricted from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice.
The government also ordered an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles throughout the three affected local government areas as part of emergency measures to contain the worsening security situation.
A statement signed by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the measures were necessary to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and property and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The government’s decision followed a series of violent incidents recorded across parts of Plateau State in recent days.
At least nine people were killed in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Five of the victims were reportedly passengers travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi when their vehicle came under attack on Saturday night. Two others, including a pastor, were killed while travelling to church at Dorowa Babuje on Sunday morning.
A woman was also reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in Fan District.
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The attacks extended to livestock, with several cattle killed or stolen around Dorowa Maranba and the Kantoma axis in the early hours of Sunday.
The latest incidents have heightened anxiety among residents and renewed concerns about the safety of people travelling between communities, particularly during the night.
Announcing the restriction, the Plateau Government said the curfew was part of immediate measures being taken to address emerging security threats in the affected areas.
Residents in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu have been directed to remain indoors between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. every day.
The government advised residents involved in commercial activities, farming and other engagements to complete their movements before the commencement of the curfew each evening. It also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary movement during the restricted hours and cooperate with security agencies deployed to maintain order.
Security operatives have been directed to enforce the curfew across the affected jurisdictions, while the state government said personnel deployed for the operation would act professionally.
Motorcycles Banned
In addition to the movement restriction, the state government directed security agencies to enforce an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles throughout Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu.
The motorcycle restriction forms part of the wider security measures introduced following the fresh attacks.
The government did not announce an end date for the motorcycle ban, just as no date was given for lifting the curfew.
Residents have consequently been advised to plan their movements ahead of the 6:00 p.m. commencement of the curfew.
Security agencies intensify operations
The latest attacks have also triggered increased security operations in parts of Plateau State. Troops of Operation Enduring Peace reportedly arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during security operations across the state.
The operations come as communities in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring areas continue to experience tension following repeated attacks.
Residents have expressed concerns over the safety of people travelling between communities, particularly at night, while community leaders have continued to call for sustained security operations and stronger protection for vulnerable settlements.
Three Vigilantes Killed Days Earlier
The latest escalation comes only days after three vigilantes were killed while keeping watch over NTV community in Barkin Ladi.
The vigilantes were reportedly attacked at about 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, with the incident further heightening tension in the community.
The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the deaths.
The latest incidents have added to longstanding security concerns affecting communities across Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos. The areas have experienced recurring violence over the years, with attacks affecting farming communities, travellers, places of worship and local security groups.
The Plateau Government has appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel during the period of the curfew.
Citizens have been advised to avoid movements after 6:00 p.m., except where otherwise permitted by security authorities, and to report suspicious activities to relevant agencies.
The government also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the affected communities.
Govt Promises Security Support
The state government said the curfew would provide security agencies with an opportunity to stabilise the affected areas and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
It also reassured law-abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the measures had been instructed to operate professionally.
The government described the restrictions as temporary security measures necessitated by the current situation, but said they would remain in force until further notice.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
