Three people were killed by gunmen in the Ikpele village of Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area, including an elderly couple. 

According to a neighbourhood resident who declined to be identified, the incident occurred over the weekend when gunmen assaulted the community.

Several people were reportedly hurt during the invasion, but villagers were unable to identify the perpetrators.

The resident said, “It’s becoming difficult to identify the killers. Sometimes, the attack could be propelled by the communities involved in land or chieftaincy tussles, while at other times, it could be a direct assault from armed herders.”

Godwin Edoh, a member representing Agatu State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident and voiced serious concern about the ongoing killings in the local government.

The congressman stated that an elderly couple was among the victims of the most recent murder.

He said, “A husband and wife who are advanced in age were killed inside their house during the attack.”

Efforts to contact the Council Chairman, Phillip Ebenyakwu, were unsuccessful because calls to his mobile did not connect.

Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the State Police Command, said she had yet to receive a report on the event.