𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝘄𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

By George OPARA

At Olegabulu community in Agatu council area of Benue state, suspected triggermen on Thursday nightfall invaded and killed a traditional ruler, his wife, their child, and other residents.

Also, one person was injured in the attack, which has thrown the community into confusion and mourning.

Reliable sources identified the deceased as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu, his wife, Abigail Awodi, and their son, Boniface Ochowechi.

Others are Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.

A source in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity told Spear News that the attack may not be linked to herdsmen as initially feared, but could be a communal clash.

In his words, “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”.

Further, it was revealed that some unfamiliar individuals 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 enjoyed a relative peace 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

Spear News findings indicated that Olegabulu community is located close to the hometown of Hon. Melvin Ejeh, incumbent Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area.

When contacted, the Agatu LGA Chairman, Hon.

But when contacted Melvin Ejeh, described the incident as tragic and devastating, calling for calm among residents.

“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.