AT least seven people have been confirmed dead following a deadly attack on the Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang district of the Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
News Point Nigeria reports that 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, occurred at about 11pm on Wednesday, as residents were preparing to usher in 2026.
Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the association, 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 corpses had so far been recovered, noting 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 LGA had been marked for possible attacks.
“Sadly, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong added.
The BYM said the latest killings further deepen concerns over the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, especially 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 also 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 incident adds to the number of attacks recorded in the state and the North-Central region.
Several communities came under attack by gunmen in 2025.
In April 2025, at least 51 people were killed by gunmen who attacked the Zike community, Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa.
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.
In December 2025, at least 12 people were killed, three abducted, and five others injured in an attack by armed men on local miners in Fan, a community in Barkin.