Residents of Gako village in Rim community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria, reported that four members of a Christian family were killed late on April 26, when armed men attacked their home. 

Local sources identified the victims as Rev. Ayuba Choji, a pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), his wife, Chundung Ayuba, their son, Cyril Ayuba, and an infant, Endurance Ayuba. 

According to a community member who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the attack occurred at about 10:46 p.m. The assailants reportedly entered the village under the cover of darkness and targeted the pastor’s residence. The victims were reportedly killed inside the family home, though details of how they were killed remain unclear at the time of reporting. 

Nigerian security agencies had released no official statement as of press time. It is also unclear whether police or military personnel were alerted during or immediately after the attack, or if any arrests have been made. 

Gako village is located within Riyom LGA, an area that has experienced repeated violent incidents in recent years. Community members said nearby rural settlements are often vulnerable due to limited security presence and delayed emergency response. 

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected]. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.