Health Worker Beheaded in Fresh Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Benue Community
A health officer identified as Ojoma Emie has been killed in a fresh attack by suspected herdsmen in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday morning while the victim was returning from Ugbokpo town, where he had reportedly gone to purchase medicine.
Sources in the community said Emie, a father of three who lived in Oloke, Ikobi, was ambushed at Ugbobi Junction along the Ikobi–Olegogba road, an area residents have repeatedly described as a dangerous hotspot for attacks on travellers.
According to reports, the attackers brutally killed him with machetes before severing his head and fleeing the scene with it. His headless body was later discovered by residents lying in a pool of blood.
Confirming the incident, the Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents became alarmed after hearing several gunshots from the area.
“Our people heard gunshots about 10 to 15 times. People immediately became apprehensive because they knew he was on his way to Ugbokpo to buy medicine. Later, it was discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction,” he said.
Ofugocho described the deceased as a dedicated health worker and family man whose death has left the community in shock.
He lamented the growing insecurity in Ikobi, alleging that suspected herdsmen have repeatedly targeted residents despite several appeals for improved security in the area.
“We are deeply worried that this particular route has become a recurring ambush point for suspected herdsmen. Our people can no longer travel freely on roads within their own communities,” he said.
“The manner in which he was killed is heartbreaking. After taking his life, the attackers severed his head and fled with it. This level of brutality is difficult to comprehend.”
He added that the attack was part of a series of violent incidents that have continued to plague the community, leaving residents living in fear.
The community leader disclosed that the deceased has since been buried and called on security agencies to take urgent action to protect lives and bring those responsible for the killing to justice.
“We call on security agencies and the government to take urgent steps to secure our communities and ensure that those behind this heinous act are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
