Five people, including a police officer, have been killed in separate attacks in Plateau State despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government.

Channels Television reports that the incidents occurred in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas, where security threats have recently prompted increased restrictions.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed that a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and three civilians were killed in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi.

Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo said gunmen attacked security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow on Tuesday night. One security operative was killed along Gagshi Road, between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos.

Three civilians were also killed in an attack at Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi.

Alabo said investigations were ongoing to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Three killed in Mangu

In Mangu, the Mwaghavul Youth Movement reported that three men were killed at the Kyikyau Community boundary with Gyambwas in Mangu Halle District.

The group said the victims, aged 45, 50 and 35, were keeping watch over their community when armed attackers allegedly ambushed them.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:39pm on Tuesday, during the curfew period.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association also reported the killing of a 22-year-old man during attacks on Rakwok, Bet, Razat, Gassa and Rakung communities in Barkin Ladi.

According to the association, the victim was a husband and father of two who was killed during Monday night’s attacks.

Curfew effectiveness questioned

The latest killings have raised fresh concerns among community groups about the effectiveness of the 6pm to 6am curfew imposed on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu.

The groups called for stronger security measures, including increased patrols, faster responses to distress calls and intelligence-led operations.

They argued that restricting residents’ movement would not be sufficient if armed attackers could still operate during curfew hours.

The Plateau State Government imposed the curfew as part of measures to contain renewed security threats in the affected areas.

The police have urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.