Gunmen kill traditional ruler, family members, 2 others in night attack

Gunmen have reportedly killed five people, among them a traditional ruler, his wife, their son, and two other residents in Olegabulu community of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State.

Residents said the incident took place on Thursday night when the attackers, who arrived on two motorcycles, invaded the monarch’s residence and began shooting at him and members of his household.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said four assailants carried out the attack.

According to him, the gunmen entered the community unnoticed and proceeded directly to the palace, where they shot the monarch, his wife, and their son.

He further stated that the attackers later went to a nearby compound, where they killed two more residents before escaping.

Other witnesses explained that the assailants initially mingled with residents, speaking in the local dialect and greeting people, which prevented suspicion.

“The attackers were not Fulani. When they arrived, they interacted freely with people in our dialect, so no one suspected that they were enemies.

“But immediately they entered the traditional ruler’s house, they opened fire and people started running for safety.

“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,” a witness said.

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were killed while one person sustained injuries.

“It is true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack,” he said.

Ejeh also disclosed that security operatives, including the police, have visited the scene of the incident.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive full details of the attack.

(DAILY TRUST)