Gunmen have reportedly attacked Gako Village in the early hours of Sunday night, killing a pastor and three members of his family in what residents described as a renewed 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.
Community sources said the attackers stormed the village around 11 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety.
A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the gunmen shot sporadically during the invasion, leaving villagers terrified and unable to sleep or go about their daily farming activities.
Confirming the incident, the publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the attackers appeared to be expanding their targets to include farming communities, relaxation areas, and local vigilante groups.
He alleged that the assailants often operate in coordinated groups, with some attacking residents, others destroying farmlands, and additional units blocking roads to prevent escape or intervention.
Tengwong also disclosed that large farmlands were destroyed within the last 48 hours in Kassa, Barkin Ladi, including crops such as cabbage, maize, and hot pepper, worsening food insecurity and economic hardship in the area.
The latest killings have heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring communities, with residents calling on security agencies and authorities to urgently intensify efforts to halt the recurring attacks and protect lives and livelihoods in Plateau State.