Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed five people, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son and two other residents in Olegabulu community of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents said the attack occurred on Thursday night when the gunmen, who stormed the monarch’s residence on two motorcycles, opened fire on him and his family members, killing them instantly.
A resident, who refused to be identified, said four assailants carried out the operation.
He said the attackers rode into the community without raising suspicion and went straight to the palace where they shot the monarch, his wife and son dead.
The gunmen, he added, later moved to a nearby compound, where they killed two other residents before fleeing the area.
Other residents claimed that the gunmen initially blended in with the community, exchanging greetings in the local dialect.
According to one of the eye witnesses, “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.”
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.
The council chairman added that security personnel, including the police, have visited the scene.
State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to be briefed on the incident.
