Gunmen have killed the son of a Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) pastor during an attack on the family’s home in Plateau State.
The victim was reportedly shot dead after armed assailants stormed the residence and opened fire, while other members of the pastor’s family escaped unhurt following the intervention of local security volunteers.
The attack was said to have occurred on Sunday night in Kuk village, Gashish District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
A security source said the gunmen, suspected by residents to be Fulani militants, arrived at the pastor’s residence at about 10:30 p.m. armed with sophisticated weapons before forcing their way into the house and opening sustained fire.
According to the source on Monday, between three and five attackers carried out the assault, during which the pastor’s son was fatally shot.
“The attackers broke into the pastor’s residence and opened sustained fire. Sadly, his son lost his life before help could arrive,” the source said.
The attackers, however, fled after local civilian guards mobilised and confronted them, preventing further casualties before soldiers stationed some distance away arrived at the community.
“The prompt action of community volunteers helped stop the gunmen from inflicting further harm on the family,” the source added.
Meanwhile, residents had reportedly received intelligence warning of a possible attack before the incident.
The President of the Berom Youth-Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri, shared an earlier security alert urging communities in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom Local Government Area to remain vigilant.
The advisory said armed men suspected to be Fulani militants had been sighted moving towards several communities south of Jos, while reports of distant gunfire had also emerged around Rim village.
Residents were advised to avoid isolated routes, monitor suspicious movements and promptly report any suspicious activity to community leaders and security agencies.
The alert also urged the military and other security agencies to strengthen their presence across vulnerable communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas to prevent further attacks.