Suspected herdsmen behead health worker, flee with head in Benue
Health Officer Killed in Benue State Ambush
In a tragic incident on Monday morning, suspected herdsmen ambushed and killed a health officer, identified as Ojoma Emie, in Ikobi, located within the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
Reports indicate that Emie, a father of three who lived in Oloke, was returning from Ugbokpo town after purchasing medicine. He was reportedly attacked at Ugbobi Junction, an area known for frequent ambushes by armed herders along the Ikobi-Olegogba section of the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road.
Sources at the scene revealed that the assailants brutally murdered Emie, decapitating him and fleeing with his head, leaving his body in a pool of blood. Local residents later discovered his remains.
Confirming the attack, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, stated that the community was alarmed after hearing multiple gunshots in the vicinity. “Our people heard gunshots about 10 to 15 times. They became apprehensive, knowing he was on his way to Ugbokpo for medicine. Eventually, it became clear he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction,” Ofugocho said.
He emphasized that Emie was a respected health worker and a family man before his untimely death. Ofugocho voiced concerns over the recurring violence in Ikobi, attributing the situation to inadequate protective measures by authorities. “This particular route has become a recurring ambush point for suspected herdsmen. Our people cannot travel freely within their own communities,” he added.
Describing the brutality of the incident, he stated, “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.”
Ofugocho highlighted that this is not an isolated incident, as the community has previously experienced similar attacks. He urged for enhanced security measures, stating, “We call on security agencies and the government to take urgent steps to secure our communities and bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.”
The deceased has been buried, and the community remains in a state of fear amid ongoing violence in the region.
