Benue state

Author: Gist Correspondent

A health worker, identified as Ojoma Emie, has been brutally killed and beheaded by suspected armed attackers in Ikobi community, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victim was reportedly travelling from Ikobi to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA, on Monday evening when he was ambushed by the assailants along the road and murdered.

According to community sources, the attackers allegedly severed the victim’s head and fled with it, leaving his lifeless body at the scene of the attack.

The incident has heightened fears among residents, who say the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road has become increasingly dangerous due to repeated attacks by armed criminals.

A resident, identified simply as Enole, expressed concern over the worsening security situation, noting that commuters now travel the route in fear.

“We are deeply worried that this road has become a regular ambush point. Our people can no longer move freely within their communities without fear of attack,” the resident lamented.

Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Adam Ochega, confirmed the killing, saying the health worker was attacked while on his way to Ugbokpo.

“He was travelling from Ikobi to Ugbokpo when the attackers ambushed and beheaded him,” Ochega stated.

Also confirming the incident, Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents became alarmed after hearing multiple gunshots from the area where the attack occurred.

According to him, community members heard between 10 and 15 gunshots and immediately feared the worst because the deceased had informed people he was travelling to Ugbokpo to purchase medicines.

“Later, it was discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction. The manner in which he was murdered is heartbreaking,” Ofugocho said.

He described the deceased as a dedicated health worker, husband and father of three children, whose death has plunged the community into grief.

Ofugocho further alleged that suspected herders have repeatedly targeted travellers along the route, turning it into a dangerous flashpoint for violent attacks.

“The attackers not only killed him but also severed his head and took it away. Such brutality is difficult to comprehend,” he added.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Command said it had yet to receive an official report of the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that she was still awaiting details as of the time of filing the report.