FOUR REPORTED KILLED IN FRESH PLATEAU ATTACKS AS GUNMEN AMBUSH SECURITY TEAM
Four people, including an operative attached to Plateau State's Operation Rainbow security outfit, have been reported killed in two separate attacks in Barkin Ladi and surrounding areas, as renewed violence tests a dusk to dawn curfew imposed by the state government.
JOS, NIGERIA — Four people have been reported killed in two separate attacks in Plateau State, including a security operative who was ambushed by gunmen along a road linking Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas.
The attacks on Tuesday came amid renewed violence in parts of Plateau and just a day after the state government imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu in response to growing security concerns.
In the first incident, gunmen reportedly opened fire on personnel attached to Operation Rainbow, Plateau State's security outfit, along Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos.
A security source told PUNCH that one operative was killed in the ambush, which occurred at about 4 p.m.
Dalyop Mwantiri, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, also confirmed that an ambush had taken place and said he narrowly avoided being caught in the attack.
In a separate incident, three civilians were reported killed at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Community leader Lawrence Gyang said the victims were one man and two women who had gathered for a funeral when they were attacked.
According to Gyang, the funeral was being held for two people who had themselves reportedly been killed a day earlier while travelling to Gashish District.
The circumstances surrounding both incidents have not been independently verified, and Plateau State Police spokesman Alabo Alfred had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the initial reports.
ATTACKS COME DESPITE NEW CURFEW
The latest violence comes against a backdrop of heightened security measures in Plateau State.
The state government imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas on Monday, September 21, citing emerging security threats and the need to prevent further deterioration of public order.
Security agencies were directed to enforce the restrictions until further notice.
Tuesday's reported attacks, however, occurred during daylight hours.
Mwantiri expressed concern that the pattern of violence appeared to be changing, with attacks no longer confined to nighttime.
The latest incidents add to longstanding security concerns in Plateau, where communities have repeatedly faced deadly attacks and cycles of violence.
Authorities have deployed security forces and introduced restrictions at various times in an effort to contain unrest, but recurring attacks have continued to leave communities vulnerable.
As investigations continue, authorities have yet to publicly identify those responsible for Tuesday's attacks or announce any arrests.
The reported death toll also remains subject to official confirmation by security authorities.
