Gunmen attack Agatu community, kill traditional ruler, wife, others

Suspected gunmen on Thursday night attacked Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a traditional ruler, his wife, their child, and other residents.

Sources told NEWS9JA that one person was also injured in the attack, which has thrown the community into mourning.

The victims were identified as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi. Others reportedly killed include Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.

A source in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack may not be linked to herdsmen as initially feared, but could be a communal clash.

“From what we are seeing, this does not look like a herdsman’s attack. Olegabulu is located between two communities, and there have been underlying tensions,” the source said.

The source further revealed that some unfamiliar individuals were seen moving through the village square shortly before the attack and were heard exchanging greetings in the Agatu dialect.

“Some people were seen passing through the village square and they greeted them in Agatu. That is why many are confused about what really happened,” the source added.

He noted that the community has enjoyed relative peace for a long time, with no record of such violent attacks in recent years.

“There has never been this kind of attack in Olegabulu for many years. The community has been peaceful, which makes this incident even more shocking,” he said.

The source also pointed out that Olegabulu is located close to the hometown of the current Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh.

When contacted, the Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, described the incident as tragic and devastating, calling for calm among residents.

“This is a very sad and devastating incident. I urge our people to remain calm and not take the law into their hands. Security agencies have been mobilised, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” Ejeh said.

He assured that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.