Gunmen kill ECWA pastor, wife and two children in fresh Plateau attack

Suspected gunmen have killed an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) pastor, Rev. Ayuba Choji, alongside his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril and Endurance, during an attack on Gako village in Rim Ward, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Residents said the attackers stormed the community around 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, opening fire and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes.

A resident, Martha Dalyop, said the attack reflects the persistent insecurity affecting the area, with many residents unable to sleep in their homes or safely tend to their farms due to repeated violence.

The publicity secretary of the Berom Youths Moulder Association, Rwang Tengwong, who confirmed the incident, said the attackers often operate in coordinated groups during raids.

According to him, while some assailants attack residents, others target farmlands or block escape routes, making rescue efforts difficult.

Tengwong also said large portions of farmland in Kassa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, were destroyed within the past 48 hours, including maize, cabbage and hot pepper crops, raising concerns over worsening food insecurity in the region.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over continued violence in parts of Plateau State.