26 Killed in Jos Attack as Plateau Governor Imposes 48-Hour Curfew

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of Jos, central Nigeria, after gunmen opened fire at an open-air bar, triggering deadly retaliatory attacks. Police have confirmed that at least 26 people were killed, although the exact breakdown between the initial shooting and subsequent revenge violence remains unclear.

The curfew, which began at midnight local time, will remain in effect until 1 April. Residents in affected areas have been ordered to remain indoors as security forces intensify patrols and maintain a visible presence to prevent further unrest.

Announcing the curfew, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, condemned the killings as “barbaric and unprovoked.” He confirmed that a full investigation has been launched and directed security agencies to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.

Security personnel were deployed swiftly following the attack, with troops and other forces moving into the affected communities to restore calm and secure the area.

While police confirmed 26 fatalities, local leaders believe the true toll may be higher. Paul Mancha, chairperson of the Plateau State Youth Council, suggested that many victims remain unaccounted for.

“People were here in the evening and unfortunately, wicked terrorists came and attacked our people,” he told Reuters. “We have counted scores of people who are now dead and then so many others are also in the hospital receiving treatment.”

Residents reported that threats had circulated on social media prior to the attack, raising concerns about possible warning signs that were not effectively addressed.

Plateau State has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions. The area frequently experiences violence between predominantly Muslim herders and largely Christian farming communities, often over access to land and water resources.

More broadly, Nigeria faces multiple security challenges across its regions — including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east and widespread banditry and kidnapping in the north-west and central zones.

Security analysts note that these overlapping crises have stretched national security resources and complicated response efforts.

Sunday’s violence underscores the persistent fragility of local security arrangements and the ease with which communal tensions can escalate into deadly conflict.

Although authorities insist the situation is under control, the imposition of a curfew highlights the severity of the threat and the urgent need to prevent further escalation.