Gunmen on Sunday night attacked Gako village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor and three members of his family, residents said, in the latest bout of violence in the region.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance Ayuba.
Community sources said the assailants stormed the village at about 11 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the attackers shot sporadically as they moved through the area, adding that repeated attacks have left many villagers too afraid to sleep in their homes or tend to their farms.
Rwang Tengwong, publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, confirmed the killings and said the incident reflected a shift in tactics by attackers, who now target relaxation spots, farming communities and local vigilantes.
According to Tengwong, the gunmen often operate in coordinated groups, with some carrying out assaults, others destroying farmlands and another group blocking roads to prevent escape or intervention.
He also said large areas of farmland were destroyed in the past 48 hours in Kassa, in neighboring Barkin Ladi, including cabbage, pepper and maize crops, worsening conditions for farmers.
The attack has heightened tensions across Riyom and nearby Barkin Ladi, with residents calling on security agencies and authorities to intensify efforts to stop the killings and destruction of livelihoods.
