The Benue State Police Command has verified the brutal killing of a traditional ruler, Chief Alexander Awodi, who served as the District Head of Olegabulu Community in Agatu Local Government Area, following an attack by unidentified gunmen.
Confirming the development on Saturday in Makurdi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, said the assault also claimed the lives of the monarch’s wife, Mrs Abigail Awodi, and two other individuals.
Udeme noted that security operatives have launched an intensive investigation aimed at tracking down and prosecuting those responsible for the deadly raid.
Findings from the community indicate that the assailants, numbering four, arrived on two motorcycles and made their way into the residence of the traditional ruler before unleashing gunfire on him and members of his household.
A resident, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the attackers did not initially raise suspicion, as they conversed freely in the local dialect and mingled with people in the area.
“The attackers were not suspected to be Fulani herders because they spoke our dialect and exchanged pleasantries with people around. No one suspected they were enemies.
“However, immediately when they entered the traditional ruler’s residence, they opened fire, causing residents to flee for safety,” the source said.
The source further revealed that the gunmen operated for about 20 minutes before moving to another nearby residence, where they killed two more persons, left one injured, and escaped without resistance.
Agatu Local Government Area has continued to grapple with recurring security challenges, with incidents of violent attacks remaining a persistent concern for residents.
