At least three people have been killed in a late-night attack near the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos border in Plateau State, hours before Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is scheduled to visit the state over persistent security threats.
The latest attack, according to conflict reporter Masara Kim, occurred on Tuesday night near the border communities between Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas.
The killings come as Plateau State continues to grapple with a wave of deadly attacks that have reportedly claimed at least 20 lives in different communities across the state within the past week.
The latest incident is expected to further heighten security concerns ahead of Disu’s arrival in Jos, the state capital, on Wednesday, September 16.
At least three people have been killed in a late-night attack near the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos border in Plateau State, Nigeria, just hours before the Inspector General of Police is scheduled to visit Jos, the state capital, over persisting terror threats https://t.co/rL5uHBvPq9
— Masara Kim (@masskeemz) September 16, 2026
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the IGP would visit Plateau State following the recent escalation of violence, with the visit expected to focus on strengthening security collaboration, assessing police formations and engaging key stakeholders on measures to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
The Plateau State Police Command had announced the planned visit in a media invitation issued on Tuesday and signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Alfred Alabo.
“The Plateau State Police Command cordially invites members of the media on the Plateau to cover the official visit of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to Plateau State,” the statement partly read.
According to the command, Disu is expected to arrive at the Jos Airport at 9:30am on Wednesday.
His itinerary includes a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor at 10:30am, an engagement at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at noon and an inspection visit to the Police Staff College, Jos, at 3pm.
The police said the IGP would also inspect the Plateau State Police Headquarters in Jos at 10am on Thursday, September 17, before departing the state through the Jos Airport at 2pm.
The visit comes amid renewed violence in several parts of Plateau State, including reported attacks in Mangu Local Government Area on September 12 and an attack at Dungus Junction, Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area, on September 13.
The attacks have resulted in deaths and injuries, raising fresh concerns about the ability of security agencies to prevent attacks on communities and travellers in the state.
On Sunday night, September 13, at least nine passengers were killed when suspected gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus at Dungus Junction in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area.
The victims were travelling towards Jos when the attackers reportedly opened fire on the vehicle at about 9:40 p.m.
The Berom Youth Moulders spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack, saying several other passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospitals.
The incident was among the latest attacks to deepen concerns over the security situation in Plateau, with communities and residents facing renewed threats from armed attackers.
The latest killings near the Barkin Ladi-Bokkos border now add to the security challenges confronting the state as the IGP begins his scheduled engagements with the state government, police formations and other stakeholders.
The IGP’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions with government officials, traditional rulers and security stakeholders on strategies to strengthen security operations, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
The police command has also urged media organisations to deploy reporters and cameramen to cover the scheduled engagements during the IGP’s visit.
The latest attack, coming only hours before the planned arrival of the nation’s top police officer, underscores the urgency of the security discussions expected to take place during his two-day visit to Plateau State.
