Jos, Nigeria — A 48-hour curfew was imposed in the central Nigerian city of Jos following a attack on a bar that led to a wave of retaliatory violence, according to local reports. Gunmen targeted the bar, resulting in the deaths of twelve individuals. Subsequently, a mob is said to have killed ten more. Plateau state governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang announced the curfew and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stating that an investigation has been initiated.
The state has long been a hotbed of conflict, with tensions frequently flaring between mainly Muslim herders and Christian farmers over land and water resources. Paul Mancha, chairperson of the youth council in Plateau state, warned that the true death toll could be significantly higher than the reported figures.
Governor Mutfwang termed the attacks “barbaric and unprovoked, “and directed security agencies to take action against the culprits. Local residents informed authorities of social media threats preceding the incident. The curfew commenced at midnight and is set to expire on 1 April, with residents ordered to stay indoors as security forces conduct increased patrols.
Troops and other personnel were quickly deployed to Jos to secure the area and restore order. Nigeria’s central region, home to Jos, has faced a myriad of security challenges, including an Islamist insurgency in the north-east, banditry in the north-west, and kidnappings in central areas. The latest attack underscores the vulnerability of local security arrangements and the rapid escalation of violence.
Despite official claims that the situation is under control, the imposition of a curfew indicates the gravity of the threat and the need to prevent further escalations. For more updates from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica. Com.
Source: BBC Africa
