Gunmen kill pastor, wife, two children in fresh Plateau attack
Gunmen on Sunday night allegedly attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family. The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba. Our correspondent gathered that the assailants stormed the village […]
Gunmen on Sunday night allegedly attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.
Our correspondent gathered that the assailants stormed the village at about 11 p.m., firing sporadically.
A community member, Martha Dalyop, told journalists that the gunshot forced residents to flee for safety.
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She lamented that the recurring attacks had continued to leave communities in fear, with many unable to sleep in their homes or tend to their farms.
Confirming the incident, Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, described the incident as terrible.
“The latest attack showed that the assailants are now targeting relaxation spots, farming communities and local vigilantes protecting rural areas.” he said.
He alleged that the attackers split themselves into groups during the operation, with some launching attacks on residents, others destroying farmlands, while another group mounts surveillance or blocks roads to prevent escape or intervention.
Tengwong also disclosed that gunmen destroyed several cabbage, pepper and maize farms in Kassa, Barkin Ladi LGA, in the past 48 hours.
The latest incident has heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi communities, with residents calling on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to halt the killings and destruction of livelihoods in the state.
Spokespersons of Operation Enduring Peace, Captain Polycarp Oteh, and Plateau State Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to WhatsApp message by our correspondent as of press time.
Berom has repeatedly accused Fulani herders of being responsible for the attacks but the State MACBAN Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that his members have no hand in the attacks against them.