Plateau State Death Toll Rises to 28 as Curfew Fails to Halt Attacks

Jos, Plateau State – A renewed wave of attacks has pushed the death toll in Plateau State to at least 28 people, according to local sources. The killings have taken place across three local government areas – Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi – even though the state government placed a dusk‑to‑dawn curfew on September 21 in a bid to restore peace.

The curfew, which was supposed to limit movement after dark, has not stopped gunmen from carrying out assaults on civilians, especially Fulani herders who travel with their cattle. Daily Trust reported that the latest incident occurred on Sunday evening when gunmen opened fire on a pick‑up carrying Fulani herders near the Total filling station in Bukuru, Jos South LGA. Two people were killed and six others injured in the ambush.

This attack comes less than two weeks after a similar onslaught in the Kassa community of Barkin Ladi, where five herders lost their lives and one was wounded. The pattern shows a relentless targeting of pastoralists, which has disrupted farming cycles and cattle grazing. Thousands of residents now live in fear, abandoning their farms, markets and even homes to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

State officials say the curfew was meant to curb night‑time raids, but many locals claim that the security forces are overstretched and unable to patrol the sprawling rural terrain effectively. Community leaders from Mangu have called on the government to deploy more troops and to engage in dialogue with the perpetrators, whom they suspect are part of a larger band of armed men operating in the highlands.

The impact on the local economy is already being felt. With farms left unattended, harvest yields are expected to drop, threatening food security in the area. Livestock owners have reported loss of cattle to theft and death, further straining household incomes. Aid agencies warn that prolonged insecurity could trigger a humanitarian crisis, as displaced families crowd into makeshift camps in nearby towns.

Governor Simon Lalong reiterated his commitment to restoring order, stating that the curfew will remain in force and that the security agencies are reviewing intelligence to locate the gunmen. He appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement and to report any suspicious movement.

Human rights groups, however, caution that curfews can sometimes exacerbate tensions if not paired with robust protection measures. They urge the state to ensure that any enforcement does not lead to further civilian casualties.

For now, the residents of Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi await concrete action, hoping that the curfew will finally translate into safety on the ground. The death toll of 28 serves as a grim reminder that the battle for peace in Plateau State is far from over.