Gunmen have killed five persons, including a traditional ruler, his wife and son, in Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday night, reportedly took place at about 8pm when the assailants stormed the community.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said four armed men riding on two motorcycles gained access to the community and proceeded to the monarch’s residence, where they opened fire.
According to the source, the attackers initially interacted freely with locals in the area, giving no indication of their mission.
He said, “When they arrived, they greeted people in the local dialect, so no one suspected anything unusual. But immediately they entered the traditional ruler’s residence, they started shooting, and people ran for safety.
“They operated for about 20 minutes. After attacking the monarch’s house, they moved to a nearby building where two more persons were killed, while another sustained injuries.”
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five persons lost their lives, while one other person was injured.
He added that security operatives had visited the scene of the attack.
“It is true that the incident occurred. Five persons were killed and one injured. The police have already been to the scene,” Ejeh said.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report on the incident.
“I have not received the report, but I am awaiting it,” she said.
