Gunmen attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, killing four members of one family, including Pastor Ayuba Choji and his wife, Chundung Ayuba. Their children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba, were also shot dead during the assault, which began around 11 p.m. Residents reported that the attackers opened fire randomly, forcing people to flee into the bush for safety. Martha Dalyop, a community member, said the late-night invasion left villagers in fear, with many too scared to sleep at home or work on their farms. Rwang Tengwong, publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, confirmed the killings and said the attackers often operate in coordinated groups, with some targeting residents, others destroying farmlands, and some blocking escape routes. He disclosed that large portions of farmland in Kassa, Barkin Ladi, had been destroyed in the past 48 hours, including crops like cabbage, hot pepper and maize. The attack has increased tension in Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi, with residents urging security agencies to take stronger action to protect lives and livelihoods.
Rwang Tengwong notes attackers now target farming communities and vigilantes, yet the same groups remain under-equipped and unprotected. Families like the Ayochojis are being killed in their homes while official response stays reactive, not preventive. Farmlands are being torched within 48 hours of attacks, but no security deployment has been reported in those windows. Residents keep calling for help, but the pattern suggests their appeals are not being met with matching action.
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