Reprisal Attacks: Plateau Imposes Curfew, Bans Motorcycles in Three LGAs
The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following renewed security concerns and reports of attacks and reprisal violence in the communities. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya, announced the restriction on Monday, directing residents to remain indoors from 6pm to 6am until further notice. According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the measure is intended to give security agencies greater control of the affected areas, protect residents and prevent further deterioration of the security situation. The government also directed residents to organise their commercial, agricultural and other activities around the restricted hours, while security personnel were ordered to enforce the curfew. Motorcycle use has also been banned across the three affected LGAs as part of the measures.
The curfew follows a series of attacks and reported reprisal incidents in parts of Plateau, particularly Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, leading to increased military patrols and security deployments. Zagazola Makama reported that troops recently stopped a suspected reprisal attack at Marit Junction in Barkin Ladi after two residents were attacked at about 8pm. One of the victims, identified as 53-year-old Rev. Andy Samuel, was reportedly killed, while another sustained injuries and was taken to the General Hospital for treatment. The report said troops came under attack after leaving the hospital, with the assailants suspected of carrying out a reprisal following earlier violence in Dorowa Babuje, Sherum, Maraban Kantoma and Lajam communities. Reinforcements from Sector 8, supported by other security personnel and Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, were deployed and reportedly repelled the attackers. Security forces are continuing patrols in the area and have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to help prevent further escalation.
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