A violent night attack in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday has left a pastor and three members of his family dead after armed assailants stormed Gako Village in a coordinated raid around 11 p.m.
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The victims, identified as Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung, and their children Cyril and Endurance, were reportedly shot dead when the attackers invaded the community and opened fire indiscriminately.
Residents said the assault triggered panic as sustained gunfire forced villagers to flee into surrounding bushes in search of safety, turning the night into one of terror and confusion.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, described the attack as devastating, saying the community has been left traumatised and increasingly vulnerable.
“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.
The attack has further heightened concerns over repeated violence in the area, with residents lamenting disruptions to daily life, farming activities, and nighttime safety.
The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident and said the attackers operated in a highly coordinated manner.
He explained that during such raids, armed groups often split into units, with some targeting residents directly, others destroying farmlands, and additional groups blocking access roads to hinder rescue efforts.
Tengwong also revealed that within the past 48 hours, farmlands in nearby Barkin Ladi, particularly in Kassa, were destroyed, with crops such as maize, pepper, and cabbage wiped out, worsening the hardship faced by farming communities.
Attempts to reach the Plateau State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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The latest killings have deepened fear across Riyom and surrounding communities, with residents calling on authorities to take urgent and decisive action to halt the recurring wave of attacks.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
