Tension has gripped parts of Benue State following a deadly attack by suspected gunmen on Olegabulu community in Agatu, leaving several residents dead, including a traditional ruler and members of his family.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday night, reportedly saw armed men storm the community and open fire on unsuspecting victims, causing panic and chaos among residents.
Among those killed were the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, his wife Abigail Awodi, and their son Boniface Ochowechi. Others who lost their lives in the нападение include Ochowechi Ochegwu and Deborah Ochowechi, while one person was said to have sustained injuries.
Sources in the area suggested that the нападение may not be connected to herders, as initially feared, but could be linked to a communal dispute.
According to a local source, Olegabulu is situated between two neighbouring communities with a history of underlying tensions.
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The source further disclosed that shortly before the incident, some unfamiliar individuals were seen moving through the village square and were heard speaking in the local Agatu dialect, creating confusion about their identity.
Residents expressed shock over the development, noting that the community had enjoyed relative peace for years and had not witnessed such violence in recent times.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, described the incident as devastating and called for calm among residents.
“This is a very sad development. 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 apprehend those responsible,” he said.
Ejeh assured that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, is taking steps to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
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