Gunmen suspected to be hired assailants have killed the District Head of Olegabulu Community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, Chief Alexander Awodi.
The Spokesperson for the State Police Command, 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 persons during the assault.
She stated that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
A local source in the community revealed that four armed men, riding on two motorcycles, stormed the residence of the district head and opened fire on him and members of his household.
The source said the assailants initially interacted with residents in the local dialect, giving no indication of their intentions.
READ ALSO: Gunmen reportedly abduct UTME candidates in Benue
“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 added.
He said 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.
Agatu LGA is regarded as one of the volatile areas in Benue State.