Gunmen have killed five people, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others, in Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The attack occurred on Thursday night, April 23, around 8 pm, according to a report by The Punch on Friday, April 24.
Details of the Attack
A local source from the community disclosed that four persons riding two motorcycles entered the residence of the traditional ruler. The assailants shot the ruler and two members of his family. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: "The assailants were not Fulani because, at the time they alighted from their motorcycles, they exchanged pleasantries with people around in our dialect. So, nobody envisaged they were enemies, but as soon as they entered the traditional ruler’s house and opened fire, everyone scampered for safety." The source added that the attackers operated for almost 20 minutes. After attacking the traditional ruler’s residence, they moved to the next house and killed two people. One other person sustained injuries before they fled.
Official Confirmation
Melvin Ejeh, the chairman of the local government, confirmed the incident. According to Ejeh, five people were killed and one person was injured. He stated that police officers in the area had visited the scene. Ejeh said: "It’s true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack."
Police Response
When contacted, Udeme Edet, the spokesperson of the Benue State police command, said she was yet to receive the report. This lack of awareness raises concerns about the effectiveness of security responses in the region.
Context of Violence in Benue
Attacks are common in the northcentral region as local herders, mostly Muslim ethnic Fulani, and farmers, many of whom are Christian, clash over limited access to land and water. Earlier in April, gunmen attacked a passenger bus in Benue, abducting students on their way to university examinations. The students and other passengers were abducted along the Otukpo-Makurdi highway. Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the incident, though he did not specify the number taken. Local media reported 15 passengers were on board. Subsequently, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the rescue of all passengers during a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies. Suspects connected to the incident are now in custody.
Previous Incidents
Earlier, the police command in Benue confirmed the killing of a mobile officer and four civilians by gunmen at Abande, Kwande local government. Udeme confirmed the killings in a statement, disclosing that the Divisional Police Officer in Jato-Aka received information that suspected armed bandits had attacked police personnel and residents.
