Tension has gripped Jos following a deadly attack on an open-air bar that has left more than 20 people feared dead, prompting authorities to impose a 48-hour curfew across parts of the city.
According to local reports, gunmen stormed a popular drinking spot, killing at least 12 people in a brutal ambush. In what appears to be a swift reprisal, an angry mob allegedly retaliated, leaving another 10 people dead and several others injured.
Reacting to the incident, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang described the killings as “barbaric and unprovoked,” assuring residents that security agencies have launched a full investigation. He also vowed that those behind the violence would be tracked down and brought to justice.
The curfew, which took effect at midnight, is expected to last until April 1. Residents in affected areas have been ordered to remain indoors as security operatives intensify patrols to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that threats had circulated on social media before the attack, raising concerns about possible premeditation.
Meanwhile, local youth leader Paul Mancha warned that the casualty figure could be higher than initially reported, noting that many victims are still receiving treatment in hospitals.
Plateau State, particularly Jos, has long struggled with recurring violence linked to disputes over land, grazing routes, and ethnic and religious tensions. These conflicts, often involving farming communities and herders, have made the region one of Nigeria’s most volatile.
Security experts say the latest attack highlights the ongoing strain on Nigeria’s security architecture, as the country continues to battle multiple threats from insurgency in the North-East to banditry and kidnappings in other regions.
While authorities insist the situation is under control, the curfew underscores the seriousness of the crisis and the urgent need to prevent further escalation.
