Olegabulu community in Agatu LGA of Benue State was thrown into mourning on Thursday night when gunmen stormed the palace of a traditional ruler and killed him, his wife, son, and two other residents in a deadly attack.
Residents said the attackers, believed to be four in number, arrived on two motorcycles and moved into the community without raising suspicion before launching the deadly assault.
Eyewitness accounts said the gunmen headed straight to the palace of the monarch and opened fire, killing the traditional ruler, his wife, and their son on the spot.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants later moved to a nearby compound where they killed two more residents before escaping.
“They rode into the community without raising suspicion and went straight to the palace where they shot the monarch, his wife and son dead,” the source said.
He added that the attackers appeared familiar with the area and initially disguised themselves by interacting freely with locals.
“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,” another witness recounted.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, said five persons were killed during the attack, while one other person sustained injuries.
“It is true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack,” Ejeh said.
He added that security operatives, including police personnel, had since visited the scene as investigations commenced.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive full details of the incident.
The latest attack has heightened fears among residents of Agatu, a community that has witnessed repeated violent attacks in recent years.
