Plateau Attack: Gunmen Kill Pastor, Wife and Two Children in Late-Night Raid on Riyom Village

Fear has gripped Gako community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State after armed men stormed the area late on Sunday night, killing a pastor and his entire family in a brutal midnight attack.

The victims include Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba. Residents say the attack has deepened anxiety in a region already struggling with repeated episodes of violence.

Eyewitnesses say the gunmen invaded the village around 11 p.m., firing sporadically as residents fled into surrounding bushes for safety. The sudden assault left the community in panic and confusion.

A resident, Martha Dalyop, described a terrifying scene as families ran in different directions to escape the gunfire. She said the attackers struck without warning, forcing people to abandon their homes in the dead of night.

Community voices say the latest killing adds to a growing pattern of insecurity affecting rural settlements in Plateau State, where residents have repeatedly reported night raids and destruction of property.

The Berom Youths Moulder Association (BYM) has also confirmed the incident, warning that attackers appear to be expanding their targets beyond isolated homes to include farming areas and community spaces.

Spokesperson for the group, Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers often operate in coordinated groups, with some focused on residents while others destroy farmlands or block escape routes during assaults.

He also raised alarm over fresh destruction of farmland in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where crops such as cabbage, maize, and hot pepper were reportedly destroyed within the last 48 hours, worsening food insecurity concerns for local farmers.

Security tension remains high across Riyom and surrounding communities as residents call for stronger protection and a more sustained response to repeated attacks affecting rural livelihoods.