Gunmen storm Benue community, kill traditional leader, wife, child in fresh attack

Suspected gunmen raided Olegabulu village in Agatu local government area, Benue State, yesterday evening in what has been described as a night of terror.

The victims included the village head, his wife, and his son, among others.

One individual was reported injured during the raid, which has put the entire community into mourning.

The victims were stated to be Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the village head of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son Boniface Ochowechi, among others. Mr. Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs. Deborah Ochowechi were among those reported dead.

According to a local source who preferred to remain anonymous, the attack was not necessarily from the herdsman, as first suspected, but perhaps a result of a communal feud.

“By what we see here, we can say that the attack is not from the herdsman. Olegabulu is surrounded by two communities, but there is a long history of animosity,” he said.

He further stated that unknown individuals were sighted moving around in the village square before the attack took place, and greeting one another using the Agatu language.

“Some people were sighted moving around in the village square and they greeted one another in Agatu language. That is why confusion reigns as to what actually happened,” he continued.

He mentioned that the community had enjoyed relative peace for many years, and there had been no case of violent attacks. “There have never been attacks in Olegabulu before for many years. The community had been very peaceful for many years, and that is what makes this attack very shocking,” he concluded.

It is worthy of note that Olegabulu is near the hometown of Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin Ejeh.

In his statement, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, chairman of Agatu LGA, referred to the incident as a sad and devastating occurrence and appealed for calmness among the locals.

“This is indeed a very sad and devastating event. Our people must keep calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands. The security agencies are on alert, and efforts are being made to trace and arrest the perpetrators of this dastardly deed,” Ejeh added.

The chairman also expressed his optimism that the local government and security forces will be able to restore peace in the community.