Gunmen Kill Traditional Ruler, Family, Two Others in Fresh Benue Attack

Gunmen Kill Traditional Ruler, Family, Two Others in Fresh Benue Attack

A deadly assault has rocked Benue State after gunmen killed a traditional ruler, his wife, and their son during a fresh attack on Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, has heightened fears over rising insecurity in Benue State, particularly in rural communities that have suffered repeated attacks in recent weeks.

According to local sources, the assailants arrived on motorcycles and initially mingled with residents, creating a false sense of normalcy before launching their attack around 8 p.m. Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the residence of the monarch and opened fire, killing him alongside his wife and son.

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Following the initial killings, the attackers reportedly moved to a nearby house, where two additional residents were shot dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. One person was also said to have sustained injuries during the incident.

Residents described the attack as swift and coordinated, noting that the gunmen operated for several minutes before fleeing the scene, leaving panic and grief in their wake.

Local authorities have confirmed the incident, while security operatives have since visited the community. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding arrests or the identity of the attackers.

The latest violence underscores growing concerns about herdsmen attacks in Benue and the persistent security challenges facing communities in the state. Stakeholders have continued to call for urgent government intervention to curb the wave of killings and restore peace in affected areas.

Gunmen Kill Traditional Ruler, Family, Two Others in Fresh Benue Attack