Renewed Violence in Plateau: Pastor, Family Killed as Gunmen Raid Gako Village

Our Reporter 

Plateau State, Nigeria – Tragedy struck Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area over the weekend as gunmen, suspected to be killer herders, attacked residents, killing a pastor and three members of his family in what locals describe as a renewed wave of violence in the region.

The victims have been identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance. 

Residents reported that the assailants invaded the community around 11 p.m., firing sporadically and forcing villagers to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.

Martha Dalyop, a community member, described the attack as part of a persistent pattern of violence that has left residents in constant fear, disrupting sleep and farming activities.

Confirming the incident, Rwang Tengwong, publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, said the attackers often operate in coordinated groups. 

“While one group attacks residents, others destroy farmlands or block escape routes to prevent intervention,” he said.

Tengwong also revealed that large portions of farmland—including maize, cabbage, and hot pepper—were destroyed in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area within the past 48 hours, aggravating food insecurity in the region.

The latest killings have heightened fears across Riyom and neighbouring communities, prompting urgent calls for security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the attacks and protect rural populations.