Five including police officer killed in fresh Plateau attacks

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - Five people, including a police officer, have been killed in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the affected areas.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the death of a Chief Superintendent of Police and three civilians in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, told Channels Television in a telephone interview that gunmen attacked security operatives attached to Operation Rainbow on Tuesday night.

According to him, one of the security personnel was killed along Gagshi Road, between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

Three civilians were also killed in a separate attack at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi.

Alabo said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible for the attacks.

“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the perpetrators of the attack and ensure justice is served,” he said.

In Mangu, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement said three men were killed at the Kyikyau Community boundary with Gyambwas in Mangu Halle District on Tuesday night.

The group said the victims, a 45-year-old, 50-year-old and 35-year-old, were keeping watch over their community when they were ambushed by armed attackers.

It said the incident occurred at about 7:39 p.m., during the curfew period.

The deaths have renewed concerns from community groups over the effectiveness of the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew imposed by the Plateau State Government on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association also reported the killing of a 22-year-old during attacks on Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa and Rakung communities in Barkin Ladi.

The association said the victim, a husband and father of two, was killed during the attacks on Monday night.

Both groups called for stronger security operations, including improved patrols, rapid response and intelligence-led operations, arguing that restricting residents’ movement would not be effective if armed attackers could continue to operate during the curfew hours.

The Plateau State Government imposed the curfew as part of measures to contain renewed security threats in the affected local government areas.

The police have urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.