Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Seven people have been killed in an evening attack on Ratatis, a settlement in Dorowa Babuje community of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, deepening concerns over recurring violence in parts of Plateau State.
The assault occurred at approximately 7:27 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, according to local residents, who said gunmen stormed the community and opened fire. Three additional residents sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities, where they remain under treatment.
Community members described scenes of panic as families sought safety amid sustained gunfire. Survivors said the attackers struck as many residents were preparing to retire for the night, catching the settlement off guard. By the time the shooting subsided, seven bodies had been recovered.
Local leaders attributed the attack to suspected armed herders, though security agencies had not formally confirmed the identity of the perpetrators at the time of reporting. The region has witnessed intermittent clashes over the years, often linked to disputes between farming communities and pastoral groups, alongside broader criminal activity.
Barkin Ladi has been one of several local government areas in Plateau State affected by cyclical violence. Analysts note that the state’s complex ethno-religious composition and competition over land and grazing routes have historically contributed to tensions. Despite repeated security deployments and peace-building initiatives, outbreaks of violence continue to occur sporadically.
Residents of Dorowa Babuje said the latest killings have intensified fears of renewed hostilities. Community representatives are calling for a strengthened security presence, including regular patrols and rapid-response units capable of intervening before attacks escalate. Some residents expressed frustration that previous warnings about potential threats were not met with preventive action.
Medical sources confirmed that the three injured victims were receiving urgent care. Their conditions were described as serious but stable. The identities of the deceased were being withheld pending notification of relatives.
State authorities have previously emphasized efforts to stabilize rural communities through joint operations involving the police, military, and local vigilante groups. However, the persistence of targeted attacks in settlements like Ratatis has raised questions about the adequacy of current strategies.
Civil society groups in Plateau State have renewed calls for sustained dialogue between affected communities, arguing that security operations alone may not address underlying grievances. They stress the importance of conflict resolution mechanisms, land management reforms, and economic initiatives aimed at reducing competition over scarce resources.
For residents of Ratatis, the immediate concern is safety. Many families are said to be contemplating temporary relocation to neighboring towns until assurances of security are strengthened. The attack has also disrupted local economic activities, particularly farming and small-scale trading, which form the backbone of the area’s livelihood.
As investigations continue, security agencies are expected to provide further updates on arrests or operational responses. In the meantime, the killings underscore the fragile security environment in parts of Plateau State, where communities remain vulnerable to sudden and deadly assaults.
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