Gunmen Kill Benue Monarch, Wife, Son in Deadly Night Attack on Agatu Community

A violent night attack has left Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State in shock after suspected gunmen killed a traditional ruler, his wife, their son, and several other residents in a coordinated assault.

The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, has plunged the rural community into mourning, with families still counting the cost of the deadly invasion.

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

One additional person was reportedly injured during the attack, while survivors described scenes of panic as the gunmen stormed the area.

Initial fears suggested the attack could be linked to herder-related violence, but emerging accounts from local sources point to the possibility of a communal conflict rather than an external assault.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said tensions between neighbouring communities may have played a role, noting that the attackers appeared familiar with the area.

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

The source also claimed that some unidentified individuals were seen moving through the village square shortly before the attack, even exchanging greetings in the local Agatu dialect — a detail that has deepened confusion over the identity of the attackers.

Security in Olegabulu has long been considered relatively stable, making the incident particularly shocking for residents who say they have not witnessed such violence in years.

“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,” the source added.

The community also lies close to the hometown of the Agatu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, adding political sensitivity to the already tense situation.

Reacting to the killings, Ejeh described the attack as tragic and called on residents to remain calm while security agencies take over investigations.

“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,” he said.

He added that authorities are working with security operatives to track down those responsible and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, where communities continue to face recurring cycles of violence, displacement, and fear.