Nine Killed During Crossover Night Celebration In Nigeria

LAGOS (Nigeria), Jan 2 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- At least nine people were killed by gunmen during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Plateau state, north-central Nigeria, officials said, according to Anadolu Ajansi (AA).

The attack in Chigwi village, Vwang district, in Jos South Local Government Area occurred late Wednesday, when residents gathered for customary crossover night festivities to welcome the New Year.

Iliya Chung, secretary to the district head of Vwang, who spoke to Anadolu on the phone, said the victims included men, women and children. 

“While six bodies were initially recovered on Wednesday, the toll rose to nine by early Thursday after other victims died in hospital,” Chung said. 

Local authorities suspended planned New Year’s celebrations, including an event the state governor had been expected to attend.

Plateau state has long endured periodic episodes of violence tied to clashes between armed militia groups, herder-farmer conflicts and banditry.

In April 2025, at least 51 people were killed in a series of gunmen attacks on communities in the Zike and Bassa areas, indicating recurring insecurity across the state. 

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU