Plateau State: Curfew Imposed on Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, Mangu

• Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs.
• The curfew, effective Monday, September 21, 2026, restricts movement between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM until further notice.
• This measure was enacted due to renewed killings and emerging security threats in the affected areas.
• Security operatives are mandated to strictly enforce the curfew and an immediate ban on motorcycles in the three LGAs.
• Residents are advised to plan activities around the restrictions for their own safety and to avoid friction.

The curfew, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, mandates that all movement within these Plateau LGAs is prohibited between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has instituted a dusk-to-dawn curfew across three local government areas (LGAs) following a resurgence of violence and heightened security concerns. The affected regions are Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu, where residents now face strict movement restrictions. This significant measure, aimed at restoring public order and mitigating emerging threats, was officially communicated via a press release issued by Joyce Ramnap, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications.

The curfew, which took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, mandates that all movement within these Plateau LGAs is prohibited between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This directive is to remain in force indefinitely, or "until further notice," indicating that its duration is contingent upon an improvement in the prevailing security situation. The governor's administration, known as the "Time is Now" administration, emphasized that this action is critical for stabilizing the affected communities and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Beyond the immediate restriction on movement, the state government has issued clear directives for residents within Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu. Citizens are explicitly advised to meticulously plan their daily commercial, agricultural, and personal activities to align with the curfew hours. This proactive planning is intended to prevent unnecessary hardship or potential friction that could arise from non-compliance during the restricted periods. The government underscored that full adherence to these directives is paramount for the safety and well-being of all residents.

To ensure strict compliance, security operatives have been given explicit instructions to enforce the Plateau State curfew rigorously. In a further measure to bolster security and control, a comprehensive ban on the use of motorcycles has also been imposed across the three affected LGAs. This motorcycle ban is effective immediately and will be enforced alongside the movement restrictions. The Commissioner reassured law-abiding citizens that security personnel are expected to carry out their duties with professionalism, even as they maintain a firm stance on upholding law and order in the face of Nigeria security threats.

The decision by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to impose these stringent measures stems directly from a reported escalation of killings and a general deterioration of security conditions in the Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu areas. The "Time is Now" administration, led by His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Esq., articulated that the primary objective of the curfew and associated restrictions is to empower law enforcement agencies. These agencies are tasked with stabilizing the region, safeguarding lives, and proactively preventing any further breakdown of law and order within the local communities.

The government's statement highlighted that the measures are a strategic response to allow security forces the necessary operational space and authority to restore normalcy. The indefinite nature of the curfew signifies the seriousness with which the state government views the current security challenges, indicating that the restrictions will only be lifted once a tangible improvement in the security landscape of these Plateau LGAs is observed. This comprehensive approach aims to address the root causes of instability and ensure long-term peace for the affected populations.

Lawyers and compliance officers with clients or operations in Barkin-Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu LGAs in Plateau State must advise on strict adherence to the new dusk-to-dawn curfew and the ban on motorcycles, as non-compliance could lead to legal repercussions or operational disruptions for individuals and businesses.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper