Tragedy struck Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night as gunmen stormed the community, killing a pastor and three members of his immediate family in yet another wave of violence in the area.
The victims, Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance Ayuba, were reportedly killed when the attackers invaded the village at about 11 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately.
Residents described a night of panic and confusion as gunshots echoed across the community, forcing people to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, who spoke to Channel Television on the phone, said the attack left the community traumatised.
“They came late in the night and started shooting everywhere. People ran into the bush for safety. We are no longer safe in our own homes,” she said.
She added that repeated attacks in the area had made life unbearable for villagers, many of whom can no longer sleep in their homes or access their farmlands.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers appeared to operate in coordinated groups with a clear pattern of targeting communities and livelihoods.
According to him, the assailants often split during operations, some attacking residents, others destroying farmlands, while another group blocks roads to prevent escape or intervention.
“The way these attacks are carried out shows clear coordination. While some attack residents, others are busy destroying farms and blocking roads to prevent any form of rescue,” Tengwong said.
He further disclosed that within the past 48 hours, large portions of farmland in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, especially cabbage, pepper, and maize farms, were destroyed, worsening the hardship of farmers in the area.
Efforts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
The latest killings have heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi communities, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to urgently intervene and halt the recurring attacks in Plateau State.