At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on the Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred barely minutes into the New Year.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) said the attack, allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits, took place at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday, as residents were preparing to usher in 2026.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said the community was thrown into mourning at a time when others across the state were celebrating.
“While the world was welcoming the New Year in celebration, residents of the Bum community were plunged into mourning following a deadly attack on innocent and peace-loving people,” Tengwong said.
He disclosed that seven bodies had so far been recovered, adding that search and rescue operations were still ongoing.
“As of the time of issuing this statement, seven corpses have been recovered, and search efforts are still ongoing. There are fears that the casualty figure may rise,” he added.
According to the association, the attack occurred despite earlier security alerts warning that several communities in Jos South Local Government Area had been marked for possible attacks.
“Sadly, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong said.
The BYM noted that the latest killings have further heightened concerns over the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, particularly during festive periods meant for peace and celebration.
“This attack adds to the growing list of violent assaults on innocent rural communities in Plateau State and raises serious concerns about the safety of lives and property,” the association stated.
The group said it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the incident and would provide further updates as the situation unfolds, while calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
The latest incident adds to a series of violent attacks recorded in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region in recent times.
In April 2025, at least 51 people were killed when gunmen attacked the Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area. In July, no fewer than 14 people, including women and children, were killed in an ambush near Chirang village in the Mangor District of Bokkos Local Government Area.
Similarly, in December 2025, at least 12 people were killed, three abducted, and five others injured when armed men attacked local miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
