BREAKING: ARMED ATTACKERS RAID AGATU COMMUNITY, KILL TRADITIONAL RULER, HIS WIFE, OTHERS
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
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 other person sustained injuries in the assault, which has plunged the community into mourning.
The victims were identified as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu; his wife, Abigail Awodi; and their son, Boniface Ochowechi. Others killed were reportedly Mr. Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs. Deborah Ochowechi.
A local source who spoke anonymously suggested the attack may not be linked to herders, as initially suspected, but could instead be related to a communal dispute.
“From what we are seeing, this does not look like a herdsmen’s attack. Olegabulu is situated between two communities, and there have been existing tensions,” the source said.
The source also claimed that unfamiliar individuals were seen moving through the village square shortly before the incident and were heard greeting in the Agatu dialect.
“Some individuals were seen moving through the village square, and they even greeted people in Agatu, which is why many are still confused about what actually transpired,” the source added.
He further noted that the community had enjoyed relative peace for a long time, with no recorded incidents of such violent attacks in recent years.
“There has not been any attack of this nature in Olegabulu for many years. The community has been peaceful, which makes this incident even more shocking,” he said.
The source also highlighted that Olegabulu is located near the hometown of the current Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh.
Reacting to the incident, the Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, described it as tragic and deeply disturbing, urging residents to remain 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 any further escalation of violence in the area.
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