Gunmen on Thursday night killed a traditional ruler, his wife, his son, and two others in the Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

A native of the community told journalists on Friday that the incident occurred at about 8 p.m.

According to the source, who pleaded anonymity, four assailants arrived on two motorcycles and entered the residence of the traditional ruler, where they shot him and two members of his family.

“The assailants were not Fulanis because, at the time they alighted from their motorcycles, they exchanged pleasantries with people around in our dialect.

“So, nobody envisaged they were enemies, but as soon as they entered the traditional ruler’s house and opened fire, everyone scampered for safety.

“The assailants operated for almost 20 minutes. After leaving the traditional ruler’s residence, they moved to the next house, where they killed two people and injured one person before fleeing.”

The Chairman of the local government, Melvin Ejeh, who confirmed the incident to journalists in a telephone interview on Friday, said five people were killed and one person injured, adding that police officers in the area had visited the scene.

“It is true the incident happened. Five people were killed and one person injured during the attack,” Ejeh said.

When contacted, the State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive the report.

“I am yet to get the report, but I am still waiting for it,” Edet said. (Nigerian Tribune)