A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of Jos, the Plateau State capital, following a deadly attack by gunmen at an open-air bar that triggered reprisal violence.
Police authorities confirmed that at least 26 people were killed in the incident, although it remains unclear how many victims died in the initial attack and how many were killed during subsequent retaliatory violence.
Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang announced the curfew, which took effect at midnight, saying the measure was necessary to restore order and prevent further escalation. He added that security agencies had been directed to track down those responsible and ensure they face justice.
In a statement, the governor condemned the killings as “barbaric and unprovoked,” assuring residents that efforts were underway to stabilise the situation.
The curfew is expected to remain in force until April 1, with residents ordered to remain indoors while security personnel intensify patrols and maintain a strong presence across affected areas.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the casualty figure could be higher than official estimates. Paul Mancha, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, told Reuters that many victims had been recorded, with others receiving treatment in hospitals.
“People were here in the evening and unfortunately, wicked terrorists came and attacked our people. We have counted scores of people who are now dead and then so many others are also in the hospital receiving treatment,” he said.
Local residents also reported that threats had circulated on social media prior to the attack, raising concerns about possible premeditation.
Security forces, including troops and other personnel, were swiftly deployed to the area following the shooting in a bid to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has long been regarded as one of the country’s most volatile areas, with recurring clashes often linked to disputes over land, grazing routes and access to water between farming and herding communities.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across its regions, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and communal conflicts in parts of the North-Central zone.
Security analysts say these overlapping threats have stretched the country’s security architecture and complicated response efforts.
Sunday’s attack underscores the fragility of local security arrangements and the speed at which violence can escalate, disrupting daily life and deepening tensions.
While authorities maintain that the situation is under control, the imposition of a curfew highlights the seriousness of the incident and the urgency of preventing further breakdown of law and order.
