The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following renewed security concerns and reports of attacks and reprisal violence in the communities.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya, announced the restriction on Monday, saying it was necessary to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Under the directive, residents are required to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice.

The government urged residents to comply fully with the restriction and adjust their commercial, agricultural and other activities accordingly.

Security operatives have also been directed to enforce the curfew strictly across the three local government areas.

The government further announced an immediate ban on the use of motorcycles within the affected jurisdictions as part of measures to contain the security situation.

It also assured law-abiding residents that security personnel deployed to enforce the measures would operate professionally.

The development followed a series of attacks, attempted attacks and reprisal incidents reported in parts of Plateau State, particularly Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu, prompting increased deployment and patrols by security forces.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, troops recently repelled a suspected reprisal attack by suspected Fulani militants following the killing of a local resident in Barkin Ladi.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8pm at Marit Junction, where troops responded to a report of an attack on two residents.

Military sources told the publication that troops arrived at the scene and confirmed that one of the victims, identified as 53-year-old Rev. Andy Samuel, had been shot dead, while the second victim sustained injuries and was evacuated to the General Hospital for medical treatment.

The troops reportedly came under attack shortly after leaving the hospital.

The attackers were suspected of carrying out a reprisal attack following earlier violence reported in Dorowa Babuje, Sherum, Maraban Kantoma and Lajam communities, all in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Reinforcements from Sector 8, supported by other force multipliers and air support from Nigerian Air Force Super Tucano aircraft, were deployed in response to the attack.

According to the report, the troops successfully repelled the attackers and prevented the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.

Troops are currently maintaining a strong presence in the general area and conducting fighting patrols to prevent further attacks and maintain security.

Security forces have also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements as efforts intensify to prevent retaliatory violence and further escalation in the affected communities.