At least five people have reportedly lost their lives in a fresh attack on Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which happened on Thursday night, has left the residents of the community apprehensive, sorrowful, despondent and grief-stricken.
According to reports, Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi, were all killed during the nocturnal onslaught.
Others reportedly killed include Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.
A local who is familiar with the development and spoke in confidence with newsmen attributed the attack and killings to communal dispute and clash, saying it may have nothing to do with herdsmen as initially feared.
He noted that Olegabulu is nestled between two communities that have been at loggerheads.
“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.
According to the source, some strange faces were seen moving through the village square shortly before the attack and were heard exchanging greetings in the Agatu dialect.
“Some people were seen passing through the village square and they greeted them in Agatu. That is why many are confused about what really happened,” the source added.
He noted that the community has been relatively calm and peaceful for a long time, with no record of such violent attacks in recent 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,” he said.
The source also pointed out that Olegabulu is located close to the hometown of the current
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Melvin Ejeh, whose hometown is said to be close to Olegabulu, confirmed the incident and described it as tragic and devastating.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and peaceful and not engage in any activities that could further destabilise the community.
“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.
