Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militia have struck again in Plateau State, killing at least seven persons in Bum community, Chugwi, Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area.
The attack occurred late on New Year’s Eve, as residents were marking the crossover into 2026, leaving several others injured, homes burnt and the community thrown into chaos.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulder-Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, said the assailants took advantage of the festive celebrations to launch the assault.
He said the gunmen invaded the community at about 11:00 p.m. on December 31, barely minutes into the New Year, when residents were preparing to bid farewell to 2025.
According to him, seven bodies had been recovered as of Thursday morning, while search-and-rescue operations were ongoing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Tengwong lamented that the attack occurred despite earlier security alerts warning that some communities in Jos South Local Government Area were being targeted for possible attacks.
He said Bum community had now joined the growing list of rural settlements hit by violent attacks in Plateau State, deepening concerns over the safety of lives and property, particularly during festive periods meant for peace and celebration.
The BYM said it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide further updates as more information becomes available.