The Plateau State Police Command has imposed a total ban on night grazing and night mining across the state, citing a surge in violent attacks. Recent killings occurred in Anguwan Rukuba and parts of Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, with multiple fatalities reported. On Wednesday, farmers and herders were killed in Ban, Gero, and Du'a communities in Barkin Ladi and Jos North. Three people were killed and one injured on Friday night in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South. Police spokesperson SP Alabo Alfred confirmed the attack and stated that a manhunt for the suspects is underway. Commissioner of Police has directed immediate enforcement of the night bans to protect lives and property. The existing ban on commercial motorcycles in Jos-Bukuru remains in effect. A temporary ban on tricycles, known as "Keke-Napep," is also in place for Sunday, April 5, 2026, due to Easter celebrations. Residents are urged to comply and avoid nighttime movement.
A fresh wave of killings has again forced the Plateau police to react after the fact, with SP Alabo Alfred announcing measures only once bodies have piled up. The repeated reliance on curfews and activity bans—like the night grazing and mining prohibitions—shows a strategy rooted in containment, not resolution. For residents of Jos South and Barkin Ladi, where attacks persist despite previous interventions, another ban offers little assurance of lasting safety. If the police command cannot intercept violence before it erupts, these orders risk becoming ritualistic responses with diminishing returns.
