Plateau Bloodbath: Mutfwang Orders Manhunt As Tension Grips Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered security agencies to launch a full-scale operation to track down and arrest perpetrators of Sunday’s deadly assault on Ratatis community in Dorowa Babuje, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which left no fewer than 10 persons dead.
The directive followed a mass burial held Tuesday for nine victims of the attack, as grief-stricken residents, community leaders and religious figures gathered to bid farewell to the deceased.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, the governor described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” stressing that the incident threatens ongoing peace-building efforts across the state.
“The Plateau State Government received with deep shock reports of the violent attack on Ratatis (Dorowa Babuje) in Barkin Ladi LGA on Sunday, February 22, 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives,” the statement read.
Mutfwang assured that victims receiving treatment in nearby hospitals were being closely monitored, while a joint search-and-rescue team comprising security personnel and government officials had been deployed to assist affected families, account for missing persons and stabilise the community.
He further directed security agencies to reinforce their presence in vulnerable areas and ensure that those behind the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.
The governor called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by providing credible information to aid investigations, reiterating government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Earlier at the burial ceremony, Chairman of the Regional Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nigeria, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, urged the government to strengthen protection for Christian communities facing persecution. He also called for prayers for bereaved families and appealed for forgiveness despite the pain.
Also speaking, National President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri, lamented that prior security alerts were allegedly ignored.
“Today, we are burying nine victims of terror attacks, while two others will be laid to rest in Jol tomorrow. This is devastating for our people. Early warnings were given before the attack, yet nothing was done,” he said.
Mwantiri called for sustained surveillance of suspected flashpoints and urged strict enforcement of the state’s ban on open grazing, alleging that it has often served as a trigger for violent attacks.
Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Gwom, also condemned the attack, assuring residents of government’s resolve to tackle insecurity. He advised citizens to take precautionary measures amid heightened tension.
Meanwhile, palpable fear enveloped parts of Jos metropolis on Tuesday morning, with many shops and businesses shut in areas such as Gangare, Zololo Junction, Gadan Bako and Katako over fears of reprisal attacks.
Security operatives were seen patrolling major streets and mounting checkpoints at strategic locations, as residents largely stayed indoors.
A trader in Jos, Kamal Busari, said he delayed opening his shop “because of fear of the unknown,” while a postgraduate student of the University of Jos, Jireh Misal, disclosed that lectures were cancelled due to the tense atmosphere.
The situation remains under close watch as authorities intensify efforts to restore calm across the state.