Gunmen kill Traditional Ruler, wife, son in Benue attack

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

Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred on Thursday night when armed men, said to have arrived on motorcycles, stormed the monarch’s residence and opened fire on him and members of his family.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers initially blended into the community, even exchanging greetings in the local dialect before launching the assault.

According to him, the gunmen killed the traditional ruler, his wife, and son inside the palace before moving to another compound where they also killed two more residents, leaving one person injured.

“They operated for about 20 minutes before escaping,” the witness said.

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were killed and one injured during the attack.

Security operatives, including police officers, have since visited the scene of the incident.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive full details of the attack at the time of filing this report.

The incident has thrown the community into panic, with residents calling for increased security presence in the area.

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