Gunmen have killed a pastor, his wife, and their two children in Gako Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what residents describe as a renewed wave of violence in the region.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their children, Cyril and Endurance Ayuba.
According to sources, the attackers stormed the village around 11 p.m. on Sunday and opened fire indiscriminately.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the assault forced villagers to flee for safety.
She lamented the recurring attacks, noting that many residents now live in constant fear and are unable to farm or sleep peacefully.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers have expanded their targets to include rural communities, farms, and vigilante groups.
He explained that the gunmen often split into groups during attacks, with some targeting residents, others destroying farmlands, and another group blocking escape routes.
Tengwong further revealed that large areas of farmland, including cabbage, pepper, and maize farms, had been destroyed in nearby Barkin Ladi within the past 48 hours.
The attack has heightened tension across affected communities, with residents calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
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