Fresh violence has rocked Riyom Local Government Area, where armed assailants stormed Gako Village late Sunday night, killing a pastor and three members of his household in a coordinated attack that has deepened fears across the troubled region.
The victims-Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung, and their children, Cyril and Endurance, were reportedly gunned down around 11 p.m. when the attackers invaded the community and opened fire.
Residents described a night of terror as sustained gunshots sent villagers fleeing into surrounding bushes in a desperate bid to escape.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, who spoke via telephone with Channels Television, said the assault has left the community traumatised and exposed.
“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.
According to her, repeated attacks have crippled daily life in the area, with many residents abandoning their homes at night and struggling to access farmlands.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers operated with a disturbing level of coordination, targeting both lives and livelihoods.
He explained that during such raids, the assailants often divide into groups, some launching direct attacks on residents, others destroying farms, while another faction blocks access routes to frustrate rescue efforts.
“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 added that within the last 48 hours, farmlands in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, particularly in Kassa, had been extensively destroyed, with crops such as cabbage, pepper and maize wiped out, compounding the economic strain on already vulnerable farming communities.
Attempts to reach the Plateau State Police Command through its spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned at the time of filing this report.
The latest killings have heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring communities, with residents urging authorities to take urgent and decisive action to stem the recurring bloodshed.
