PLATEAU KILLINGS: MUTFWANG PROMISES RIGOROUS CRACKDOWN AFTER MASS BURIAL

By: Muftau Fatimo

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ordered security agencies to step up operations and bring to justice 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 civilians.

The directive was issued on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap.

The announcement coincided with a mass burial for nine victims of the attack, held in the Dorowa Babuje community on Tuesday.

The burial drew a large crowd, including grieving family members, community leaders, religious figures, and residents, all gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased.

The event also saw prayers offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

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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 brutal and senseless attack. This tragic incident comes at a time when ongoing investments in dialogue, reconciliation, and community engagement have significantly enhanced the relative peace currently enjoyed across the state.

“Those injured are receiving medical care at nearby health facilities, and the government is closely monitoring their condition to ensure they get the necessary treatment.”

Governor Mutfwang stated that a joint search and rescue team, made up of security personnel and relevant government officials, has been deployed to assist victims, account for missing persons, and stabilize the affected communities.

He urged residents to support the government by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.

“The Governor has directed security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected area, increase 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 citizens of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.

“Additional proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent further security breaches and maintain peace, stability, and harmony across Plateau State,” the statement concluded.

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 attackers) first make allegations of killings and then exploit them as a pretext to launch deadly attacks on innocent people,” Mwantiri said.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, condemned the assault and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism.

Gwom also urged residents to take necessary precautions and support government efforts to restore peace.

“Let’s stay alert to what is happening. If it means going home early for now, then we should do that,” he advised.

Meanwhile, tension was palpable in Jos on Tuesday morning, with several shops and businesses closing in parts of the city.

The closures appeared linked to reports of deadly gun attacks in nearby rural communities. Observations by our correspondent revealed that residents and traders in areas such as Gangare, Zololo Junction, Gadan Bako, and Katako largely stayed indoors.

Fears of reprisals and escalating violence kept many residents confined to their homes.

Our correspondent reported that only a handful of shops were open in the city centre.

Resident Kamal Busari said, “I did not open my shop early on Tuesday because of fear of the unknown.”

Jireh Misal, a postgraduate student at the University of Jos, added, “I was supposed to attend a 9 am class on Tuesday, but the lecture was canceled due to the heightened tension in town.”

Security personnel were observed patrolling the streets of Jos, with others deployed at key strategic points.