SUSPECTED HERDSMEN KILL HEALTH WORKER IN BENUE COMMUNITY. (PHOTO).

 Suspected Herdsmen Kill Health Worker in Benue Community

A health worker identified as Ojoma Emie has been killed by suspected herdsmen in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday morning when Emie, a father of three who lived in Oloke, Ikobi, was returning from Ugbokpo after purchasing medicine. He was said to have been ambushed at Ugbobi Junction along the Ikobi–Olegogba axis of the Ikobi–Ugbokpo road, an area residents describe as a frequent flashpoint for attacks.

According to local sources, the attackers macheted him to death, severed his head, and fled with it, leaving his body at the scene. His remains were later discovered by residents of the community.

Confirming the incident, the Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents were alerted after hearing multiple gunshots in 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 Emie as a community health worker and a family man, and expressed concern over repeated attacks in the area, alleging that little has been done to improve security along the route.

He said residents now live in fear due to recurring incidents, adding that the road had become a known ambush point for suspected armed herders.

“This is not the first time our people have come under attack. We have continued to cry out for improved security, but the attacks persist. Residents now live in constant fear,” he said.

He confirmed that the deceased has since been buried and called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently intervene and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.