Gunmen Kill Benue Monarch, Wife, Son in Fresh Agatu Attack

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area, Momo Awodi, along with his wife and three others in a deadly attack that has heightened security concerns in the area.

The attack, which occurred on Thursday night in Benue State, also claimed the lives of the monarch’s son, Boniface Ochowechi, as well as two other residents identified as Ochowechi Ochegwu and Deborah Ochowechi.

How the Attack Unfolded

According to local sources, the assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles and initially blended into the community, greeting residents in the local dialect to avoid suspicion.

The attackers later stormed the residence of the monarch, where they opened fire on him and members of his household.

“The assailants were not Fulani because when they arrived, they greeted people in our dialect. Nobody suspected anything,” a source said.

Panic and Casualties

Residents were thrown into panic as gunshots rang out, forcing many to flee for safety.

The attackers were said to have operated for nearly 20 minutes, moving from one location to another after the initial assault.

“After attacking the traditional ruler’s residence, they went to another house and killed two more people. One person was injured before they fled,” the source added.

Official Confirmation

The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were killed while one sustained injuries.

“It is true, the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person was injured during the attack,” he said.

Ejeh added that security operatives had since visited the scene as part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and investigate the attack.

Police Yet to Issue Full Report

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive an official report on the incident.

“I’m yet to get the report, but I am still waiting for it,” she stated.

Renewed Security Concerns

The latest attack underscores persistent security challenges in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural communities that have experienced repeated incidents of violence.

Residents and local leaders are calling for increased security presence and swift action to apprehend the perpetrators, as fears of further attacks continue to grow.