At least 28 people have reportedly been killed in a fresh wave of attacks across parts of Plateau State, despite a government-imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew aimed at containing the violence.
The attacks have reportedly affected communities in Manga, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas, with residents facing disruptions to farming, livestock activities and other sources of livelihood.
The latest incident was recorded on Sunday evening in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly opened fire on a vehicle carrying Fulani herders.
According to a report by Daily Trust, two people were killed in the attack, while six others sustained injuries.
The Plateau State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were returning from a cattle market when the attackers struck.
Babayo said the herders were travelling towards Bassa Local Government Area when the gunmen attacked their vehicle around 5:30pm near the Total filling station.
He said six injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment, while one other person was still missing.
The association chairman condemned the attack and called on security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those behind it and bring them to justice.
The latest violence came less than two weeks after another attack around Kassa community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Five people were reportedly killed in that incident, while another person sustained injuries.
Attempts by Daily Trust to obtain comments from the spokespersons of Operation Enduring Peace and the Plateau State Police Command, Captain Polycarp Oteh and SP Alabo Alfred, reportedly yielded no response.
Curfew Fails To Halt Plateau Violence
The renewed attacks have raised fresh concerns over the effectiveness of the curfew introduced by the Plateau State Government to contain the worsening security situation.
Also Read: 2027 elections: Umahi predicts Tinubu’s victory in all South-east states
In September, several communities reportedly came under attack, with men, women and children among those killed. Houses and farmlands were also reportedly destroyed, while hundreds of cattle were said to have been killed.
The violence has displaced residents and disrupted economic activities in affected communities, particularly farming and livestock production.
In response to the escalating attacks, the state government announced an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas on September 21.
The restriction, announced through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, began the same day.
Under the directive, movement in the affected areas is restricted between 6pm and 6am daily and will remain in force until further notice.
Despite the measure, the latest reported attacks indicate that violence has continued to pose a security challenge in parts of the state.