“Tragedy Strikes: Pastor and Family Haunted by Violence in Plateau”

There was strain in Gako Village in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday evening when armed individuals initiated a new assault, resulting in the death of a pastor and three members of his household.

The deceased were recognized as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his spouse, Chundung Ayuba, along with their two offspring, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.

As per reports, the assailants invaded the village around 11 p.m. and fired shots recklessly.

A community resident, Martha Dalyop, who communicated with Vanguard, mentioned that the gunmen invaded the locality late at night, firing indiscriminately and forcing locals to flee for their safety.

She expressed concern that the persistent assaults have continued to instill fear within communities, leaving many unable to rest peacefully in their homes or tend to their agricultural lands.

The publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, while verifying the incident, noted that the recent assault indicated that the attackers were now focusing on leisure venues, agricultural communities, and local vigilantes safeguarding rural areas.

He indicated that the assailants frequently divided themselves into factions during operations, with some attacking residents while others devastate agricultural lands, and another group conducting surveillance or obstructing pathways to prevent escape or aid.

According to him, a significant stretch of farmland had been ravaged by gunmen in the last 48 hours in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, especially cabbage, hot pepper, and maize crops, further aggravating the difficulties faced by farmers in the impacted regions.