Armed men have again unleashed mayhem in Benue State, killing a number of people, including a traditional ruler.
NewsBits reports that the attack was launched on Thursday night in Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area of the State. The unknown gunmen murdered the traditional ruler of the community, his wife, their child, and other residents, local sources disclosed.
Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi, among others, are the victims of the murderous act. The motive behind the shocking killings remains unknown as of press time.
Locals say the incident has thrown the entire community into mourning, with several fleeing homes. Also identified among the deceased are Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.
“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,” a 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,” Daily Post quoted Ejeh as saying. As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command is yet to issue any statement on the reported incident.”
