At least seven people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, barely minutes into the New Year.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, as residents were preparing to usher in 2026, turning what should have been a moment of celebration into one of grief and mourning.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), which confirmed the incident, said the assault was allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits.
Confirming the development, the association’s National Publicity Secretary, Rwang Tengwong, described the attack as tragic and deeply distressing.
“While many communities across Plateau State were welcoming the New Year in celebration, the people of Bum community were plunged into mourning following a brutal attack on innocent and peace-loving residents,” Tengwong said.
He disclosed that seven corpses had so far been recovered, adding that search and rescue operations were still ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
“As of the time of this statement, seven bodies have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to locate other victims. There are strong concerns that the casualty figure may increase,” he added.
According to the association, the attack occurred despite prior security alerts indicating that several communities in Jos South Local Government Area had been marked for possible attacks.
“Regrettably, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong noted.
The BYM said the latest killings have heightened concerns over the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, particularly during festive periods meant for peace, unity, and celebration.
“This attack adds to the disturbing pattern of violent assaults on innocent rural communities in Plateau State and raises serious questions about the safety of lives and property,” the group stated.
The association said it is closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates as more information becomes available, while calling on security agencies to take urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
The incident adds to the growing number of violent attacks recorded in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region in recent years.
In April 2025, no fewer than 51 people were killed when gunmen attacked Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area.
In July 2025, at least 14 people, including women and children, lost their lives in an ambush near Chirang village in Mangor District of Bokkos LGA.
Similarly, in December 2025, armed men attacked local miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi LGA, killing at least 12 people, abducting three others, and injuring five.
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