By Ayomide Otitoju
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.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM) said the assault, allegedly carried out by suspected armed bandits, occurred around 11 p.m. on Wednesday as residents were preparing to welcome the New Year.
National Publicity Secretary of BYM, Rwang Tengwong, described the attack as a tragic disruption of the festive season. “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,” he said.
Tengwong confirmed that seven bodies had been recovered so far, with search and rescue operations ongoing. “There are fears that the casualty figure may rise,” he added.
The association noted that the attack occurred despite earlier security alerts warning that several communities in Jos South LGA were at risk. “Sadly, the Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” Tengwong said, stressing concerns over the safety of rural communities, especially during festive periods.
The BYM said it is monitoring developments closely and urged urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.
The incident adds to a string of violent attacks across Plateau State and the North-Central region in 2025. Earlier in the year, gunmen killed at least 51 people in Zike community, Kimakpa, Bassa LGA; 14, including women and children, near Chirang village in Bokkos LGA; and 12 in an attack on local miners in Fan community, Barkin Ladi, in December.
