At least 28 people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed in a series of attacks across Plateau State within one week, despite efforts by authorities to contain the worsening violence.
The attacks, which occurred between September 13 and 20, were reported in communities across Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom and Jos South local government areas, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).
Among the victims was Pastor Samuel Nandi, who was reportedly killed on September 20 while travelling to a church service in Maraban Kantoma, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
David Nanpet, an eyewitness documenter with the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), reportedly confirmed the incident to ICC.
Nandi’s son was also shot during the attack and was receiving medical treatment, according to Da Sambo Chollom, a traditional ruler in Dorowa Babuje.
Chollom said Nandi, who was originally from Borno State, was attacked while on his way to church.
Nanpet said the violence continued after the pastor was killed, with gunfire reported around Maraban Kantoma, Rapwomol and Shurum.
“The pastor was on his way to church. They attacked him and killed him,” Nanpet was quoted as saying.
The eyewitness also raised concerns over a possible surveillance operation in Darwat community, where residents reportedly saw a drone flying over the area.
“A drone was seen spying on the whole of the Darwat community this night,” Nanpet said, according to ICC.
He said the sighting had heightened fears among residents that armed groups could be preparing for another attack. An armoured personnel carrier was also stationed in the community, making movement in and out of the area difficult, he added.
The reported killing of Pastor Nandi was part of a wider wave of attacks across Plateau State during the seven-day period, leaving many communities grieving.
According to ICC, nine people were killed at Dungus Junction in Kuru District, Jos South, after gunmen reportedly attacked passengers who had just disembarked from a commercial vehicle.
In Riyom, two people were reportedly killed in Ta-Hoss village, while another two victims were killed in Vodni village, Mangu.
Five people were also reportedly killed in Gana-Ropp, Barkin Ladi, on Saturday, September 19. In Ndar, Bokkos, at least two people were reportedly killed and several others injured.
Earlier, an attack on a farmers’ market in Mangu reportedly left three people dead and seven others injured. Among those injured was a seven-month-old baby.
The latest incidents have intensified concerns over the security situation in Plateau’s rural communities, which have faced repeated reports of armed attacks, displacement and the destruction of homes and farmland.
The renewed violence compelled both federal and state authorities to in place additional security measures to contain the circus of violence.
On Sunday, the Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, visited some of the affected communities and reportedly pledged to strengthen security operations in the areas.
The following day, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas.
The curfew took effect on Monday, September 21, and was scheduled to operate daily from 6pm to 6am until further notice.
The state government said the restriction was necessary to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, protect residents and prevent further deterioration of law and order.
Security agencies were directed to enforce the curfew, while the government also announced an immediate ban on motorcycle operations across the three affected local government areas.
Residents were advised to plan their commercial, agricultural and personal activities around the restricted hours.
The movement restrictions came after seven consecutive days of reported attacks stretching from communities in Jos South and Riyom to Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos.
As of September 21, the state government had maintained the curfew and other movement restrictions in the three local government areas, while security agencies continued operations in communities where residents reported further incidents of gunfire.
The violence has renewed calls for stronger and sustained security measures to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives and displacement across Plateau State.
