Gunmen Kill Pastor, Wife, Two Children in Plateau Attack

Gunmen have killed a pastor and three members of his family in Gako Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, during a late-night attack described by residents as part of a fresh wave of violence in the area.

Sources in the community said the attackers stormed the village at about 11 p.m. on Sunday and opened fire indiscriminately.

A community member, Martha Dalyop, told Vanguard that the gunmen invaded the area late at night, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.

She lamented that the recurring attacks had continued to keep communities in fear, with many unable to sleep in their homes or go to their farms.

The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.

The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying the latest attack showed that the assailants were now targeting relaxation spots, farming communities and local vigilantes protecting rural areas.

He said the attackers often split into groups during operations, with some attacking residents, others destroying farmlands, while another group carried out surveillance or blocked roads to prevent escape or intervention.

Tengwong also disclosed that a large expanse of farmland had been destroyed in the past 48 hours in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, with crops such as cabbage, hot pepper and maize affected, worsening the hardship of farmers in the communities.

The latest incident has heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to stop the killings and destruction of livelihoods in Plateau State.