At least seven persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack on Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang district of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack reportedly happened just minutes into the New Year, throwing the community into mourning at a time many others were celebrating.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) said the assault, allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits, occurred at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday as residents were preparing to welcome 2026.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Rwang Tengwong, said the community was devastated by the killings.
“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 been recovered so far, adding that search and rescue operations were still ongoing in the area.
“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 took place despite prior security alerts indicating that some communities in Jos South Local Government Area 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 killings have further heightened fears over the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, particularly during festive periods meant for peace and unity.
“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 monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as the situation unfolds, while also calling on authorities to take urgent steps 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 Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa Local Government Area. In July, no fewer than 14 persons, including women and children, were killed 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 on local miners in Fan community, Barkin area.
What you should know
Seven people have been confirmed dead after a late-night attack on Bum community in Jos South, Plateau State, just as residents prepared to welcome the New Year.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association said the assault was carried out by suspected bandits despite earlier security warnings. Search operations are ongoing, with fears that the death toll may rise.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of repeated attacks on rural communities across Plateau State in 2025.
