Gunmen have reportedly killed five persons, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two other residents, in Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents said the incident occurred on Thursday night when the assailants stormed the community on two motorcycles.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Daily Trust, disclosed that four attackers carried out the operation, heading straight to the monarch’s residence.
According to him, the gunmen opened fire on the traditional ruler and members of his household.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers initially mingled with residents, speaking the local dialect to avoid suspicion.
One of the witnesses said, “The attackers were not Fulani. When they arrived, they interacted freely with people in our dialect, so no one suspected that they were enemies.”
He added, “But immediately they entered the traditional ruler’s house, they opened fire and people started running for safety.”
The attackers were said to have moved to a nearby compound after the initial attack, where they killed two more residents.
“They operated for about 20 minutes. After attacking the monarch’s residence, they moved to a nearby house and killed two more people. One person was injured before they fled,” the witness added.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the attack, stating that five persons lost their lives while one sustained injuries.
“It is true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack,” he said.
Ejeh further disclosed that security personnel, including the police, have visited the scene as part of ongoing efforts to address the situation.
