Gunmen have killed five people, including a traditional ruler and members of his family, in a late-night attack on Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. on Thursday, threw the community into panic as residents fled for safety while the assailants carried out the assault.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers arrived on two motorcycles and appeared unsuspecting at first.
“They greeted people in our local dialect, so no one thought they were enemies. But immediately they entered the traditional ruler’s residence, they opened fire,” the source said.
According to the source, the attackers shot the monarch, his wife, and his son inside the residence before moving to a nearby house, where they killed two additional victims. One other person was reportedly injured during the attack.
“The operation lasted about 20 minutes before they fled,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, said five people were killed while one person sustained injuries.
“It’s true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person injured during the attack,” Ejeh said, adding that security operatives had visited the scene.
Efforts to get an official response from the police were inconclusive as the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive a formal report on the incident.
“I am still waiting for details,” she said.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in parts of Benue State, raising fresh concerns about security in rural communities.