A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of the central Nigerian city of Jos, following a deadly attack by gunmen at an open-air bar. Local reports have confirmed that 26 people have lost their lives due to this violence, although it remains unclear how many were casualties of the initial shooting versus retaliatory actions.
Plateau state governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang announced the curfew, which aims to prevent further violence as security forces investigate the incident. The state is known for its history of conflict, particularly between various ethnic groups and religious communities. Paul Mancha, chairperson of the youth council in Plateau, mentioned that the actual death toll might be even higher, indicating the extent of the tragedy.
In his statement, Governor Mutfwang condemned the murders as barbaric and unprovoked. He pledged that security agencies would pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice. Notably, threats had been posted on social media platforms prior to the attack, which highlights the growing tensions in the region.
Beginning at midnight local time, the curfew restricts residents to their homes while authorities increase security patrols. Security forces have been rapidly deployed to restore order in Jos and the surrounding areas, a region plagued by violence stemming from competition over land and resources between Muslim herders and Christian farmers.
This incident underscores the fragile security situation in Nigeria, where overlapping threats from insurgency, banditry, and civil unrest challenge law enforcement efforts.
