NIGERIA: Tragedy struck Gako village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State late Sunday night when armed men attacked the community, killing a pastor, his wife, and their two children in what has been described as a brutal and coordinated assault.
The victims, identified as Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their children Cyril and Endurance, were reportedly killed when the attackers stormed the village around 11 p.m., opening fire on residential homes and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Eyewitnesses said the attack threw the entire community into panic, with sustained gunfire echoing through the night as residents ran in different directions to escape. A resident described the attackers as operating freely, leaving behind destruction and fear.
According to reports by Channels Television, Premium Times, and Daily Trust, the incident is part of a growing pattern of violent raids in parts of Plateau State, where rural communities have repeatedly come under attack in recent months.
Local sources also allege that such attacks are often coordinated, with different groups carrying out separate roles, including targeting homes, destroying farmlands, and blocking escape routes.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the rising frequency of such incidents, noting that surrounding villages have also suffered repeated attacks and destruction of farmlands, worsening the hardship faced by already vulnerable farming families.
Residents say the security situation has made daily life increasingly difficult, with many afraid to sleep in their homes or access their farms. They are calling for stronger government and security intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
The violence has further heightened tension across Riyom and other parts of Plateau State, an area that has experienced recurring clashes and insecurity linked to disputes over land use and rural attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had not issued any official statement or confirmation regarding the attack, despite enquiries. Residents continue to mourn the victims while awaiting an official response from security agencies.
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