Gunmen have killed five people, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others, in Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack reportedly happened on Thursday night when the assailants invaded the community at about 8pm.
A local source said four men arrived on two motorcycles, went straight to the residence of the traditional ruler, and opened fire, killing him and two of his family members.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The assailants were not Fulani because, at the time they alighted from their motorcycles, they exchanged pleasantries with people around in our dialect.
“So, nobody envisaged they were enemies, but as soon as they entered the traditional ruler’s house and opened fire, everyone scampered for safety.
“The assailants operated for almost 20 minutes. After attacking the traditional ruler’s residence, they moved to the next house and killed two people.
“One other person sustained injuries before they fled.”
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were killed while one person was injured. He added that police officers had visited the scene.
“It’s true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person injured during the attack,” Ejeh said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report of the incident.
“I am yet to get the report, but I am still waiting for it,” Edet said.
