Nigeria: Nine killed in Plateau on cross-over Night

Nigeria - Nine Killed in Plateau on Crossover Night

On the night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, tragedy struck in Plateau State, Nigeria, as gunmen launched a deadly attack on Chigwi village in Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area.

The assault occurred during the crossover night celebrations, a period when communities traditionally gather to usher in the New Year with prayers and festivities. Instead of joy, the village was plunged into mourning as nine lives were lost in the violence.

According to Iliya Chung, secretary to the district head of Vwang, the attack began between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. when residents heard gunshots echoing through the night. Panic spread quickly, and by midnight, victims were being rushed to the district headquarters.

Initially, six bodies were recovered, but by the following morning, the death toll had risen to nine. Eight victims were found dead at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

The victims included men, women, and children, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault. Reports indicate that one family was almost entirely wiped out, with only a single child surviving.

This detail highlights the devastating impact on households and the broader community, leaving behind grief and fear. The attack has heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing deep concern about their safety and the recurring violence that has plagued Plateau State.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing them as senseless acts of violence that undermine peace and stability in the region. He called for urgent security interventions to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.

The Plateau State government has long grappled with communal clashes and attacks by armed groups, and this incident adds to the troubling pattern of insecurity in the state.

The timing of the attack, during a religious and cultural celebration, has amplified its psychological impact. Crossover night is a moment of hope and renewal for many Nigerians, but in Chigwi village, it became a night of sorrow.

Survivors and families of victims now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amid trauma and uncertainty.

This incident is part of a broader security challenge in Nigeria, where rural communities often bear the brunt of attacks by gunmen.

The Plateau killings serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stronger community protection, intelligence gathering, and conflict resolution strategies to address the root causes of violence.

The crossover night attack in Plateau State left nine people dead, shattered families, and a community in mourning. It underscores the fragility of peace in Nigeria’s conflict-prone regions and the pressing demand for decisive action to safeguard lives and restore confidence among citizens.