Gunmen have killed Alexander Awodi, the district head of Olegabulu community in Agatu LGA of Benue state.
Four armed men, riding on two motorcycles, reportedly stormed the residence of the traditional ruler and opened fire on him and members of his household.
The assailants were said to have initially interacted with residents in the local dialect, giving no indication of their intentions.
The attackers operated for nearly 20 minutes, after which they proceeded to a nearby house where they killed two additional persons, injured one other and fled the scene.
Confirming the incidence on Saturday, Edet Udeme, the state police spokesperson, said the attackers also killed Abigail Awodi, the monarch’s wife, along with two other persons during the assault.
She said the command had commenced a “full-scale investigation” into the incident with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“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,” NAN quoted Edet as saying.
“However, immediately when they entered the traditional ruler’s residence, they opened fire, causing residents to flee for safety.”
