By Ayomide Otitoju
Gunmen have killed a pastor and three members of his family in Gako Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what residents described as a late-night attack that has further heightened insecurity in the area.
The victims—Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance—were reportedly killed on Sunday night after armed attackers invaded the community around 11 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately.
Residents said the assault threw the village into panic, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes for safety as gunshots rang out across the community.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the repeated attacks have left villagers living in fear, adding that many can no longer safely stay in their homes or access their farmlands.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, alleging that the attackers operate in coordinated groups targeting residents, farmland, and escape routes during their raids.
He also disclosed that within the past 48 hours, large portions of farmland in nearby Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, including maize, cabbage, and pepper farms, were destroyed, worsening food insecurity in the region.
Efforts to obtain a response from the state police spokesperson were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The latest killings have intensified tension across Riyom and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on security agencies to urgently intervene and curb the recurring attacks in the area.
