Fresh violent attacks in Plateau State have resulted in the deaths of an Operation Rainbow operative and three civilians in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The killings occurred despite a newly imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew across three local government areas in the state.
An ambush along Gagshi Road, between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs, targeted security personnel, leading to the operative’s death around 4 pm on Tuesday. A security operative, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack, stating, “We just experienced an ambush in which a security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow was killed.”
In a separate daytime incident at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, three civilians were killed. Community source Lawrence Gyang reported that a man and two unidentified women were killed while attending a funeral for two individuals slain the previous day while traveling to Gashish District. Gyang noted that the victims were among mourners gathered for the burial when the attack occurred.
Dalyop Mwantiri, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, confirmed the ambush, revealing he narrowly avoided the attack himself. “I would have also been involved in that incident if not that God, in His mercy, saved me,” Mwantiri said. He emphasized that the violence has intensified and shifted to broad daylight, adding, “This security challenge has entered another level. This thing is taking a bigger dimension.” Mwantiri urged security forces to remain vigilant and protect local communities despite the rising risks.
The deaths follow the Plateau State Government’s declaration of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs, effective Monday, September 21, 2026. The restriction limits movement between 6 pm and 6 am. Information and Communication Commissioner Joyce Ramnap stated, “The Plateau State Government has declared an immediate, dusk-to-dawn curfew across Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas to maintain public order and curb emerging security threats in the region.”
Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiries regarding the attacks at the time of reporting.
