Curfew Imposed in Jos, Nigeria After Deadly Bar Attack

Mon Mar 30 2026 19:35:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 48-hour curfew has been declared in Jos, Nigeria, following a violent attack at a local bar that led to multiple deaths. Authorities are ramping up security efforts amidst escalating tensions.

In the central Nigerian city of Jos, a 48-hour curfew has been enacted after gunmen opened fire at an open-air bar, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 26 individuals. The incident triggered revenge attacks, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to announce the curfew as a security measure. The region is known for its volatility, with tensions between communities often leading to violence. Local officials express concern that casualty counts could be higher than reported, indicating a serious security crisis in the area.

Curfew Imposed in Jos, Nigeria After Deadly Bar Attack

A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of the central Nigerian city of Jos, after gunmen opened fire at an open-air bar, leading to deadly revenge attacks, local reports say.

The police have confirmed that 26 people were killed. It is not clear how many died in the initial attack and how many during the retaliation.

Announcing the curfew, Plateau state governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang said an investigation had been opened and those responsible for the killings would be brought to justice. The state has long been considered one of the most volatile parts of Nigeria.

Paul Mancha, chairperson of the youth council in Plateau state, suggested that the true number of casualties could be even higher, stating, 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.

In a statement, the Plateau state governor condemned the killings as barbaric and unprovoked, ensuring that security agencies had been directed to pursue those responsible.

Local residents had noted threats posted on social media prior to the attack, raising concerns about the escalating situation. The curfew, effective until April 1, requires residents to stay indoors while security personnel increase patrols in the affected areas.

Violence in Plateau state is often attributed to conflicts between Muslim herders and Christian farmers over access to land and resources. Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges, including an Islamist insurgency in the northeast and rising banditry across central regions. The recent attack underlines the difficulty in maintaining local security and the precarious nature of peace in the area.