Gunmen on Sunday night attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family in what residents described as a fresh wave of violence in the state.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba. Sources in the community said the assailants stormed the village at about 11:00 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the gunmen invaded the area late at night, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety. She added that recurring attacks had left communities in fear, with many unable to sleep in their homes or tend to their farms.
Shift in Attack Tactics
Confirming the incident, Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the latest attack indicated a shift in tactics, with assailants targeting relaxation spots, farming communities, and local vigilantes protecting rural areas. He said the attackers often operate in groups, with some launching assaults on residents, others destroying farmlands, while another group mounts surveillance or blocks roads to prevent escape or intervention.
Tengwong also disclosed that a large expanse of farmland had been destroyed by gunmen in the past 48 hours in Kassa, Barkin Ladi, particularly cabbage, hot pepper, and maize farms, worsening the situation of farmers in affected communities.
Heightened Tensions
The latest incident has heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi areas, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to halt the killings and destruction of livelihoods in the state.
