Gunmen kill security operative, three civilians in Plateau

Gunmen reportedly opened fire on security operatives attached to Operation Rainbow in Plateau State on Tuesday, killing one personnel in the ambush.

It was learnt that three other civilians were also reportedly killed in a separate incident at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

The security operatives were reportedly attacked along the Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs.

The two incidents, according to separate sources, brought the reported death toll to four, amid renewed attacks in parts of Barkin Ladi.

National President of the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Dalyop Mwantiri, who confirmed the reported ambush to The PUNCH in Jos on Tuesday night, said he narrowly escaped being caught up in the incident.

He described the latest development as an indication that the security situation in the state was taking a “bigger dimension.”

Mwantiri said the attacks were no longer confined to the night, adding that incidents were now occurring in broad daylight.

He said, “I would have also been involved in that incident if not that God, in His mercy, saved me.”

Mwantiri condemned the attacks and expressed concern over the worsening security situation, appealing to security operatives to remain vigilant and continue to protect communities and residents despite the risks involved.

He said, “This security challenge has entered another level. This thing is taking a bigger dimension.”

A community source, Mr Lawrence Gyang, said three persons were killed at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi LGA on Tuesday.

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Gyang alleged that one person and two unidentified women were killed in broad daylight while attending the funeral of two persons who were allegedly killed the previous day while travelling to Gashish District.

According to him, the victims were among mourners who had gathered for the funeral when the incident occurred.

A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that a member of personnel attached to Operation Rainbow came under an ambush in the area.

The operative said, “We just experienced an ambush in which a security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow was killed.”

He added that the sad incident occurred around 4 pm.

The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, was yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident when contacted by our correspondent.

Recall that the Plateau State Government, following the emerging security threats, imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.

The curfew, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, restricted movement between 6 pm and 6 am until further notice, with security operatives directed to enforce the order.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, who announced the directive in a statement on Monday, said the measure was aimed at maintaining public order and preventing a breakdown of law and order.

Ramnap said, “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.”