Gunmen kill the district head and his wife in Benue

Gunmen suspected to be hired attackers have killed the District Head of Olegabulu Community in Agatu Local Government Area of ​​Benue State, Chief Alexander Awodi.

State Police Command spokesperson Edet Udeme confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday in Makurdi.

Udeme said the attackers also killed the victim’s wife, Mrs. Abigail Awodi, and two other people in the attack.

He stated that the command had initiated a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Local community sources revealed that four armed men, riding two motorbikes, stormed the regent’s residence and opened fire on the regent and members of his household.

The source said the attackers initially interacted with residents in the local dialect, but gave no indication of their intentions.

READ ALSO: Gunmen reportedly kidnap UTME candidates in Benue

“The attackers were not suspected of being Fulani herdsmen because they spoke our dialect and exchanged pleasantries with local people. No one suspected they were enemies.

“However, when they entered the residence of the traditional ruler, they immediately opened fire, causing residents to flee for safety,” added the source.

He said the assailants operated for nearly 20 minutes, after which they proceeded to a nearby house where they killed two more people, injured another and fled the scene.

Agatu LGA is considered one of the volatile areas in Benue State.