By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Gunmen have carried out another deadly assault in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, killing a traditional ruler alongside members of his family in Benue State, deepening concerns over persistent insecurity in the region.
On 24 April 2026, armed attackers stormed Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area at about 8 p.m., killing five people, including the monarch, his wife, his son, and two other residents.
According to local sources, the assailants (reportedly four men on motorcycles) entered the ruler’s residence and opened fire before moving to a nearby house where additional victims were killed.
Witnesses said the attackers initially blended in by speaking the local dialect, raising no suspicion before launching the assault, which lasted nearly 20 minutes. One additional person was reportedly injured, while the perpetrators fled the scene shortly after.
Local government authorities confirmed the killings, though police indicated they were still awaiting full details at the time of reporting.
The incident reflects a continuing pattern of violence in Benue State, where repeated attacks (often linked to broader communal and security tensions) have strained local communities and exposed gaps in Nigeria’s internal security framework.
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