By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Gunmen killed a security operative and three civilians in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The attackers ambushed Operation Rainbow personnel along Gagshi Road between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs. The incidents occurred amid renewed security threats in the state.
Security Operative Killed in Ambush
According to security sources, the slain personnel was attached to Operation Rainbow.
A security operative confirmed the attack while speaking on condition of anonymity.
He said the security personnel came under an ambush around 4pm.
“We just experienced an ambush in which a security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow was killed,” he said.
The Plateau State Police Command had yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.
The command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred, did not respond to calls and messages from our correspondent.
Three Civilians Killed at Funeral
Meanwhile, three civilians reportedly died in a separate attack at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu.
Community source Lawrence Gyang said the incident occurred in Barkin Ladi LGA.
According to Gyang, the victims attended the funeral of two people killed the previous day.
The two victims had reportedly died while travelling to Gashish District.
Gyang alleged that gunmen opened fire on mourners during the funeral.
He said one person and two unidentified women died in the attack.
Berom Youth Leader Condemns Attacks
National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Mwantiri, confirmed the ambush.
Mwantiri told The PUNCH that he narrowly escaped the attack.
He described the latest incident as evidence that the security situation was taking a “bigger dimension.”
According to him, attacks now occur during the day rather than only at night.
“I would have also been involved in that incident if not that God, in His mercy, saved me,” he said.
Mwantiri condemned the attacks and expressed concern about the worsening security situation.
He also urged security operatives to remain vigilant across vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, he called on them to continue protecting residents despite the risks.
Plateau Government Imposes Curfew
The attacks occurred barely a day after the Plateau State Government imposed a curfew.
The government introduced the dusk-to-dawn restriction across three local government areas.
They include Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.
The curfew took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026.
It restricts movement between 6pm and 6am until further notice.
Security operatives received orders to enforce the directive across the affected areas.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, announced the measure.
She said the government introduced the curfew to maintain public order.
The directive also seeks to prevent further deterioration of security across the affected communities.
Ramnap said the security challenge had entered another level.
She added that the situation was taking a bigger dimension.
Death Toll Rises Amid Renewed Attacks
Separate sources said the two incidents brought the reported death toll to four.
The latest attacks have increased concerns over security in Barkin Ladi.
The incidents also highlight growing concerns about attacks occurring in broad daylight.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the reported killings.
Residents continue to call for stronger security measures across affected communities.
