At least seven people were killed on New Year’s Eve when gunmen attacked Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, turning a night meant for celebration into one of sorrow and fear.
The attack happened late on Tuesday night, December 31, 2025, while many Nigerians across the country were marking the crossover from 2025 into 2026 with prayers, celebrations, and family gatherings. In Bum community, however, residents were forced to flee for safety as gunmen stormed the area, shooting, burning houses, and injuring several people.
The attackers, who were suspected to be armed Fulani militia, reportedly took advantage of the crossover night activities, knowing that many residents would be distracted or gathered in churches and homes to welcome the New Year.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Mr Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Thursday morning. He said the gunmen struck around 11:00 p.m., barely minutes into the New Year.
“While the world welcomed the New Year in celebration, residents of Bum community in Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, were plunged into mourning following a deadly attack by suspected armed Fulani militants,” Tengwong said.
According to him, the attackers invaded the community as residents were preparing to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, creating panic and confusion.
“As of this morning, seven corpses have been recovered, while search and rescue efforts are still ongoing,” he said, adding that there were fears the number of casualties could increase.
Local sources said several people were also injured during the attack, while many houses were set on fire, forcing families to flee their homes in the middle of the night.
Tengwong revealed that the attack happened despite an earlier security alert warning that some communities in Jos South Local Government Area were at risk of attack.
According to him, the warning was reportedly not taken seriously by security agencies, leaving the Bum community exposed.
“The Bum community has now fallen victim to this renewed wave of violence,” he said. “This attack adds to the growing list of assaults on innocent rural communities in Plateau State.”
He described the incident as a painful reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the state, especially in rural areas where residents often depend on farming for survival.
Residents of Bum community described the attack as devastating, saying many families have been displaced and are now seeking refuge in nearby communities.
A resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said the sound of gunshots filled the air just before midnight.
“We were getting ready to pray for the New Year when we heard gunshots,” the resident said. “People started running in different directions. Houses were burning, and there was confusion everywhere.”
Another resident said the community is still in shock and mourning.
“This is not how we wanted to enter the New Year,” he said. “We lost our people, our homes, and our peace.”
Plateau State has experienced repeated violent attacks over the years, especially in rural communities in Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa local government areas. These attacks are often linked to long-standing disputes over land, farming, and grazing, as well as ethnic and religious differences.
Many communities in the state are predominantly farming settlements, while herders often move through nearby areas with cattle. Tensions between farmers and herders have, over time, developed into deadly clashes, with armed groups carrying out attacks on villages.
Human rights groups and community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to address the root causes of the crisis, including land ownership disputes, insecurity, and lack of justice for victims.
The timing of the Bum community attack has raised fresh concerns, as it occurred during a festive period meant for peace and celebration.
In recent years, several communities in Plateau State have been attacked during Christmas, New Year, or other festive seasons. Such attacks often worsen the humanitarian situation, leaving families displaced at a time when they should be celebrating with loved ones.
Community leaders say attackers sometimes choose festive periods because they believe security will be relaxed or that people will be distracted.
The Berom Youths Moulder-Association said it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as search and rescue efforts continue.
The group also called on security agencies and the government to take urgent steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
Residents and local leaders are urging the Plateau State Government and federal security agencies to increase patrols, respond quickly to intelligence reports, and ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Plateau State Police Command or other security agencies on the incident. However, residents said security personnel had begun to move into the area following the attack.
For the people of Bum community, the New Year has begun in grief rather than joy. Families are mourning loved ones, counting losses, and trying to rebuild their lives amid fear of further attacks.