The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over the continued attacks on communities in Plateau State despite the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed by the state government in parts of the state.
The NBA said the persistence of violence has raised serious concerns about the safety of residents and the effectiveness of existing security measures.
The Plateau State Government had imposed a curfew in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu Local Government Areas following a series of attacks and security incidents. The restriction, which took effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., was introduced to enable security agencies to stabilise the affected areas, protect lives and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
However, reports of fresh attacks have continued to emerge from some of the affected communities.
According to reports, several residents were killed in separate incidents in parts of Barkin Ladi and Mangu, while farmlands and other property were also reportedly destroyed. In one incident, security personnel attached to Operation Rainbow were reportedly attacked along Gagshi Road, while civilians were killed in a separate attack in Rakok, also known as Kafi Abu, in Barkin Ladi.
The NBA has called for urgent and more effective measures to protect residents, particularly those living in vulnerable rural communities.
The association has previously condemned killings in Plateau State and called on security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen their response mechanisms and ensure that those responsible for attacks are identified and prosecuted.
The Plateau State branches of the NBA have also demanded that suspects arrested in connection with killings in the state should be prosecuted within the state, rather than being transferred elsewhere. The association further called for stronger community protection measures and renewed discussion on the establishment of state police.
The renewed violence has also heightened concerns among residents who depend on farming and other economic activities for their livelihoods. Reports indicate that farmlands have been destroyed in some communities affected by the attacks, raising concerns about the impact of insecurity on food production and rural economic activity.
The state government has maintained that the curfew is intended to give security agencies room to restore stability in the affected areas. Security personnel have also been directed to enforce the restriction, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
The latest developments have renewed calls for stronger intelligence-led operations, improved security presence and faster responses to distress calls in vulnerable communities.
For the NBA, the continued loss of lives underscores the need for authorities to strengthen measures aimed at protecting the constitutional right to life and ensuring that perpetrators of violent attacks are brought to justice.
The association has urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents who continue to live under the threat of violence.