Plateau State Attacks Continue Despite Curfew as Gunmen Target Villages, Vehicles and Security Forces

Deadly attacks continued across Nigeria’s north-central Plateau State despite a government-imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew aimed at containing escalating violence in several communities.

The attacks, which began over the weekend, prompted Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to impose a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas on Monday, Sept. 21. The government also banned motorcycles in the three areas.

Officials said the restrictions were introduced to give security forces time to stabilize affected communities and prevent further attacks. However, violence continued during the first night of the curfew, with gunmen reportedly attacking vehicles, villages, civilian guards and security personnel responding to distress calls.

Plateau Attacks Continue Hours After Curfew Begins

In Rakwok village, Barkin Ladi, a commercial vehicle was attacked at about 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 21, just hours after the curfew took effect.

Two passengers, 65-year-old Ali Makawu and 42-year-old Hannatu Samson, were shot in the attack. The assailants fled before troops arrived, according to local reports.

A man identified as Henry was later found dead inside a nearby building. Preliminary findings indicated that he may have been struck by a stray bullet.

In another incident shortly after 8 p.m., a civilian watchman was killed while standing guard outside his home.

Meanwhile, in Bokkos, about 40 miles away, two residents of Kangyer village were killed in a separate attack later that night.

The incidents occurred only a few hours after the Plateau State government introduced the curfew.

Police Officer and Civilian Guards Killed in Plateau Attacks

Violence continued into Tuesday, Sept. 22.

At daybreak, residents of Rakwok gathered to bury victims of the previous night's attack. During the burial, gunmen reportedly returned to the community and opened fire.

Dalyop Solomon, a Berom youth leader who was in Rakwok during the attack, described the situation in a video recorded at the scene.

“As you can see we are here at Rakwok where a young man was killed last night. And shortly after the burial, the terrorists just came back, almost encircling the community. As you can hear there are gunshots in my background,” he said.

Later that afternoon, at about 4 p.m., security personnel responding to the Rakwok attack were ambushed along Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos.

Chief Superintendent of Police Dennis David Babale, deputy commander of a joint police-military task force, was shot and killed in the ambush.

Dalyop later told TruthNigeria that five other people, including a 1-year-old child, were wounded.

Three Civilian Guards Killed in Mangu

Another deadly incident was reported at about 8:25 p.m. Tuesday in Kikyau village, Mangu County, where three men were killed.

Zagazola Makama identified the victims as Gambo Fumyil, Zugumna Bamaiyi and Samson Dapo.

Kyesmang Jonathan Yusuf, president of the Mwaghavul Youth Movement, said the three men were civilian guards who were killed while arriving at their duty post for routine nighttime security.

Yusuf questioned whether the curfew was effectively protecting communities, arguing that residents were being restricted from moving at night while armed attackers continued to operate.

“If law-abiding citizens are confined to their homes from 6:00 p.m., while armed Fulani criminals continue to move, attack and kill with impunity during the same period, who is the curfew ultimately protecting?”

He added that communities that have traditionally relied on organized vigilance to protect homes, farms and families were now facing restrictions while the perpetrators of violence appeared undeterred.

Curfew Raises Questions About Security in Plateau State

The continued attacks during the curfew have intensified concerns over the security situation in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, three areas that have experienced repeated violence.

The reported attacks also highlight the challenges facing security forces attempting to respond to incidents across dispersed rural communities, where attackers can reportedly move between villages and roads before security personnel arrive.

Authorities have yet to demonstrate that the curfew has stopped the attacks, while residents and community leaders continue to call for stronger security measures to protect civilians and local security volunteers.