Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed security agencies to intensify operations and apprehend those responsible for Sunday’s deadly attack on Ratatis community in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of at least 10 innocent people.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap.
This order came as nine victims of a terror attack in the Dorowa Babuje community were laid to rest in a mass burial in the community on Tuesday.
The burial ceremony attracted a large gathering of grieving family members, community leaders, religious figures, and concerned residents who came to pay their last respects to the deceased.
The event also saw prayers offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
The governor, in the statement, condemned the “barbaric and senseless” killings, describing them as a setback for efforts to ensure peace through dialogue and community engagement.
The statement read, “The Plateau State Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a violent attack on Ratatis (Dorowa Babuje) in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, which occurred on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives.
“The government strongly condemns this barbaric and senseless act. This unfortunate incident comes at a time when sustained investments in dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement have significantly improved the relative peace currently being enjoyed across the state.
“Those who sustained injuries are presently receiving medical attention at nearby health facilities while the government is closely monitoring their condition and ensuring that they receive the necessary care.”
Mutfwang said a joint search and rescue team comprising security operatives and relevant government officials had been constituted to assist victims, account for missing persons, and stabilise the affected communities.
He urged residents of the state to cooperate with the government by providing credible information that may assist ongoing investigations.
“The Governor has directed security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected area, strengthen security presence in surrounding communities, and ensure that those responsible for this cowardly act are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The Plateau State Government reassures all citizens of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the state.
“Additional proactive measures are being reinforced to prevent further security breaches and to sustain peace, stability, and harmony across Plateau State,” the statement added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Regional Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nigeria, Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, who officiated the burial for the victims, called for the protection of Christian communities facing persecution.
Dachomo said, “The need for protection of Christians and Christian communities that are facing persecution is paramount. We need to pray for the widows and those who lost their breadwinners. We also need to forgive even the bandits.”
National President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri, expressed frustration over the attack, as early warnings were ignored.
“Today, we are burying nine victims of terror attacks, and two will be buried in Jol tomorrow.
“This is heartbreaking and too much for our people. Before this attack, we knew that an early warning was given, and nothing was done.
“We urge security agencies to ensure constant surveillance in the Fulani settlement where these attacks are coming from.
“Open grazing is also a problem. The government must wake up and ensure that it enforces the ban on open grazing because that has always been a ploy for killing.
“They (the killers) will first make an allegation of killing and then use it as a ploy to carry out a deadly attack on innocent people,” Mwantiri said.
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, condemned the attack, promising commitment of the government to fighting terrorism.
Gwom urged residents to take precautions and support the government’s efforts to restore peace.
“Let’s be conscious about what’s happening. If we need to go home early for now, let’s do that,” he said.
Meanwhile, there was tension in Jos on Tuesday morning, as several shops and businesses were shut in parts of the metropolis.
This may not be unconnected with reports of deadly gun attacks in nearby rural communities.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that residents and traders in areas such as Gangare, Zololo Junction, Gadan Bako, and Katako stayed indoors.
The expressed fears of reprisals and escalating violence forced them to stay at home.
Our correspondent gathered that only a few shops were open in the city centre.
A resident, Kamal Busari, said, “I did not open my shop early on Tuesday because of the fear of the unknown.”
Jireh Misal, a postgraduate student at the University of Jos, said: “I was meant to have a class at 9 am on Tuesday, but we had to cancel the lecture because of the heightened tension in town.”
Security operatives were seen patrolling the streets of Jos, while others were stationed at strategic locations.
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