Gunmen have killed five people in Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, including a traditional ruler, his wife, his son, and two other residents.
Residents said the attack happened on Thursday night when armed men arrived on two motorcycles and went straight to the monarch’s residence, where they opened fire.
A resident who asked not to be named said four attackers carried out the operation. He explained that they entered the community without raising suspicion and moved directly to the palace, where they shot the traditional ruler, his wife and son dead.
He added that the attackers later left the palace area and went to a nearby compound, where they killed two more residents before fleeing the scene.
Other witnesses said the attackers first mixed with locals in the community and even greeted people in the local dialect.
“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 attack and said five people were killed while one person was injured.
“It is true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack,” he said.
He added that security operatives, including the police, have already visited the scene.
