No fewer than seven people have been confirmed dead following an attack on the Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang district of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The attack happened shortly after the New Year began.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association said the assault, allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits, took place 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 plunged into grief while others 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 stated that seven bodies had so far been recovered and that search and rescue operations were 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 indicating that several communities in Jos South Local Government Area were at risk of possible attacks.
“Sadly, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong said.
The group noted that the incident has heightened concerns about the safety of rural communities in Plateau State, particularly during festive periods meant for peace.
“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 said.
It added that it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide further updates, while calling for urgent measures to prevent further loss of life.
The latest incident adds to the series of attacks recorded in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region.
Several communities were attacked by gunmen in 2025. In April, at least 51 people were killed during an attack on the Zike community in the Kimakpa area 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. In December 2025, at least 12 people were killed, three abducted, and five others injured during an attack on local miners in Fan, a community in Barkin Local Government Area.
