Gunmen murder traditional ruler, wife, son, two others in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi 

At least five persons, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son and two others, have been killed by gunmen at Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

A source from the community told newsmen on phone that four people who rode on two motorcycles entered into the house of the traditional ruler, shot him at close range and also shot two members of his family before fleeing.

As at the time of filing this report, the identity of the assailants were yet unknown.

The source, who didn’t want to be named said: “The assailants were not Fulani because at the time they alighted from their motorcycles, they exchanged pleasantries with people around in our dialect.

“So, nobody envisaged they were enemies, but as soon as they entered the traditional ruler’s house and shot; everyone scampered for safety following the sound of gun shots.

“The assailants operated for almost 20 minutes, after the residence of the traditional ruler, they still moved to the next house and killed two people. One other person sustained injuries.”

The Chairman of the local government, Melvin Ejeh, has confirmed the incident.

Ejeh told newsmen on phone that five people were killed and one person was injured, adding that the police officer in the area had visited the scene of the incident.  He said: “It’s true the incident happened, five people were killed and one person injured during the attack.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to get the information.