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By Lawrence Agbo
Gunmen on Sunday night stormed Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and members of his family in a fresh attack that has heightened tension in the area.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.
Residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 11 p.m., shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
A community member, Martha Dalyop, described the incident as part of a recurring wave of violence that has left residents in constant fear, preventing many from sleeping in their homes or working on their farms.
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Confirming the attack, the publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the assailants appeared to operate in coordinated groups during such raids.
According to him, while one group attacks residents, others destroy farmlands or block escape routes to prevent intervention.
He also disclosed that large portions of farmland, including maize, cabbage and hot pepper crops, were destroyed in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, within the past 48 hours, worsening food insecurity in the region.
The latest killings have further escalated fears across Riyom and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the ongoing attacks and protect rural populations.
