By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Gunmen on Sunday night attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State killing a pastor and three members of his family in what residents described as a fresh wave of violence in the area.
The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.
Sources in the community said the assailants stormed the village at about 11 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately.
A community member, Martha Dalyop, told our correspondent that the gunmen invaded the area late at night, shooting sporadically and causing residents to flee for safety.
She lamented that the recurring attacks had continued to leave communities in fear, with many unable to sleep in their homes or tend to their farms.
Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the latest attack showed that the assailants were now targeting relaxation spots, farming communities and local vigilantes protecting rural areas.
According to him, the attackers often split themselves into groups during operations, with some launching attacks on residents, others destroy farmlands, while another group mounts surveillance or blocks roads to prevent escape or intervention.
Tengwong further disclosed that a large expanse of farmland had been destroyed by gunmen in the past 48 hours in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, particularly cabbage, hot pepper and maize farms, worsening the plight of farmers in the affected communities.
