By Ene Mary McDickson, Correspondent, Frontline Daily | September 23, 2026

Fresh attacks in Plateau State have claimed at least six lives, including a senior police officer, despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.

CSP Dennis David Babale, Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, was killed on Tuesday afternoon when gunmen ambushed his vehicle along the Bokkos–Barkin Ladi road as he responded to a distress call. He was travelling in a Toyota Hilux when unidentified attackers opened fire.

In a separate incident the same day, three civilians were killed at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi. Community leader Lawrence Gyang said the victims were among mourners attending the funeral of two people killed the previous day while travelling to the Gashish District.

The Berom Youth Moulders' Association also reported the killing of 22-year-old Henry Elisha, a father of two, during coordinated attacks on the communities of Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa and Rakung on Monday night. The association said mourners at his burial, including its national president, were caught in a gun battle when attackers engaged security personnel nearby.

Authorities imposed the curfew on 21 September following a series of attacks in the affected areas, alongside a ban on motorcycle use. But community groups say the measure has done little to stop the violence, noting that attacks are increasingly occurring in daylight rather than under cover of night. A security source described the shift as the insecurity situation "taking a bigger dimension."

Both the Berom Youth Moulders' Association and other community groups have called for stronger security operations, including improved patrols, faster response times and intelligence-led operations, arguing that restricting residents' movement alone cannot stop attackers who continue to strike, retreat and return.

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killings and says investigations are ongoing.