Tragedy struck Gako village in Rim Ward of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State as gunmen brutally killed a pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), his wife and two children.
The victims have been identified as Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife Chundung Ayuba, and their children, Cyril Ayuba, and Endurance Ayuba.
According to residents, the attackers stormed the community at about 11p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, firing gun shots indiscriminately. The sudden assault forced villages to flee their homes and seek refuge in nearby bushes.
A resident, Martha Dalyoo, described the incident as part of ongoing pattern of violence in the area. She lamented that fear has taken over daily life, with many residents unable to sleep in their homes.
Confirming the attack, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, stated that the assailants appeared to operate in coordinated groups. He explains that while one carries out attacks on residents, others simultaneously destroy farmlands or block escape route, making rescue or intervention difficult.
Tengwong further revealed that within the past 48 hours, large portion of farmland in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area have been destroyed. Crops were affected, raising fresh concerns over food insecurity in the region.
The Evangelical Church Winning All l (ECWA) and community leaders have also called for calm and urged security operatives to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.
Condolences have been extended to the family,, the ECWA Bukuru DCC, and the Gako community.
The latest incident adds to the growing insecurity in parts of Plateau State, as residents continue to call for urgent action from security agencies to restore peace and protect lives and livelihoods.
-9News Nigeria.
