The curfew applies specifically to Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, although the latest violence was also reported in Riyom. Reports put the death toll from attacks across the affected areas at more than 20 within about two days, including women and children.
The Plateau State Government has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following a fresh wave of attacks and killings that reportedly claimed more than 20 lives within two days across parts of the state.
The restriction, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, prohibits movement in the three local government areas between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice.
The government also imposed an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles throughout Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu as security agencies move to contain the violence and prevent further attacks.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, announced the measures in a statement issued in Jos on Monday.
According to the government, the curfew became necessary following emerging security threats and renewed violence in communities across the affected areas.
Reports indicate that more than 20 people, including women and children, were killed within about 48 hours in separate attacks affecting Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Riyom local government areas.
Several houses were also reportedly burnt during the attacks, further heightening tension and forcing some residents of vulnerable communities to flee for safety.
Although the latest reported attacks extended to Riyom, the state government’s curfew order presently covers Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu.
Ramnap said Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration imposed the restriction to give security agencies room to stabilise the affected areas, protect residents and prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
She said all residents of the three local government areas were expected to comply fully with the directive for their own safety.
The commissioner also advised residents to reorganise their daily activities around the restriction period, particularly farming, trading and other personal and commercial engagements.
The government said the measure would remain in force until further notice, indicating that its duration would depend on security assessments and the restoration of stability.
Security agencies have consequently been directed to enforce both the dusk-to-dawn curfew and the ban on motorcycle operations throughout the three local government areas.
The government, however, assured law-abiding residents that personnel deployed to enforce the measures had been directed to carry out their duties professionally.
The curfew follows a succession of attacks across Plateau communities over the weekend and preceding days.
In one of the incidents, five people travelling towards Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area were reportedly killed after their vehicle came under attack on Saturday night.
Two other people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed around Dorowa Babuje while travelling to church on Sunday.
Separate killings were also reported at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area and Ratyidi in Fan District, contributing to mounting concerns over the deteriorating security situation.
At least nine deaths were independently reported from attacks occurring between Saturday night and Sunday morning in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring communities.
Community leaders and residents have called for increased security deployments and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
The violence has also reportedly affected livestock, with cattle killed or stolen in some communities, while gunfire forced women and children to leave vulnerable areas.
The latest killings came amid other security operations across Plateau State.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace reportedly arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during separate security operations in the state. There was no indication in the report that those arrested had been established to be responsible for the latest community attacks.
Plateau has experienced recurring violence involving attacks on rural communities, retaliatory incidents, kidnappings and disputes associated with land, farming and grazing, alongside broader security challenges.
Successive administrations and security agencies have deployed troops and other personnel to flashpoint communities, but periodic attacks have continued to claim lives and displace residents.
In announcing the latest restriction, the Mutfwang administration said the immediate priority was to prevent further bloodshed and give security personnel sufficient room to restore calm.
“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,” Ramnap said.
She added that residents should plan their commercial, agricultural and personal activities around the restriction hours to avoid unnecessary difficulties while the curfew remains in force.
The government has not announced when the restriction will be lifted, saying it will remain in force until further notice.
