No fewer than seven people have been confirmed dead following a deadly assault on the Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang district of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack occurred just minutes into the New Year.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) said the incident, 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 development, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, said the community was thrown into grief 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 prior security alerts warning that several communities in Jos South LGA had been identified as potential targets.
“Sadly, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong stated.
The BYM said the latest killings have heightened fears 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 noted.
The group said it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the incident and will issue further updates as the situation unfolds, while also calling for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
The incident adds to the spate of attacks recorded in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
Several communities were attacked by gunmen in 2025.
In April 2025, at least 51 people were killed when gunmen attacked the Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa.
In July, no fewer than 14 people, including women and children, lost their lives in an ambush near Chirang village in the Mangor district of Bokkos.
In December 2025, at least 12 people were killed, three abducted, and five others injured during an attack by armed men on local miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi.