Gunmen hit Olegabulu community in Agatu, kill traditional ruler, his wife, son, others

Suspected gunmen on Thursday night attacked Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a traditional ruler, his wife, their child and several other residents.

Sources told DAILY POST that one person was also injured in the attack, which has plunged the community into mourning.

Those killed were identified as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi. Other victims include Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.

A source in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said early indications suggest the attack may not be linked to herdsmen as initially feared, but could be the result of a communal dispute.

“From what we are seeing, this does not look like a herdsmen attack. Olegabulu lies between two communities, and there have been underlying tensions,” the source said.

The source added that some unfamiliar individuals were seen passing through the village square shortly before the attack and were heard exchanging greetings in the Agatu dialect.

“Some people were seen moving through the village square and they greeted in Agatu. That is why many people are confused about what really happened,” the source said.

He noted that the community has enjoyed relative peace for years, with no recent history of such violence.

“There has never been this kind of attack in Olegabulu for many years. The community has been peaceful, which makes this incident even more shocking,” he added.

The source also pointed out that Olegabulu is located close to the hometown of the current Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh.

When contacted, the Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, described the incident as tragic and devastating, and appealed for calm.

“This is a very sad and devastating incident. 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 identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” Ejeh said.

He assured that the local government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to restore peace and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.