Gunmen Storm Benue Community, Kill Traditional Ruler, Family Members and Two Others
Suspected gunmen have killed five people, including a traditional ruler, his wife, and son, during a late-night attack in Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Thursday when the assailants invaded the community and targeted the residence of the monarch.
According to a local source, the attackers arrived on two motorcycles and initially interacted with residents in the local dialect, giving no immediate indication of their intentions.
“They spoke our language and even exchanged greetings, so no one suspected anything. But shortly after entering the traditional ruler’s house, they opened fire,” the source said.
The attackers reportedly shot and killed the traditional ruler and two members of his household. They later moved to a nearby residence, where two additional victims were killed. One other person sustained injuries during the incident.
The gunmen were said to have operated for about 20 minutes before fleeing the area.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, stated that five people lost their lives while one individual was injured. He added that police personnel had visited the scene.
“It is true. Five people were killed and one person was injured in the attack,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Authorities are expected to launch further investigations into the attack as concerns grow over recurring violence in the area.
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