Suspected herdsmen kill health worker, flee with head in Benue

A health worker identified as Ojoma Emie has been killed in a brutal attack by suspected herdsmen in Ikobi, Apa LGA of Benue state.

The victim, a father of three, was reportedly ambushed on Monday morning at Ugbobi Junction while returning from Ugbokpo town, where he had gone to buy medicine.

Residents said the attackers, who allegedly operate along the Ikobi–Ugbokpo road, opened fire on him, hacked him to death and severed his head before fleeing the scene with it. His headless body was later discovered in a pool of blood by members of the community.

Edoh Ofugocho, a community leader and vice president of the Ikobi Progressive Forum confirmed the incident, saying locals heard multiple gunshots before finding the victim.

“People heard about 10 to 15 gunshots. Later, it was discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction,” he said.

He explained that the deceased worked as a health officer in the community and left behind a wife and children.

Ofugocho lamented that the area had become a repeated hotspot for violent attacks, adding that residents now live in fear due to frequent ambushes along the route.

“This is not the first time our people have come under attack. We have been crying for better security, but the attacks continue,” he said.

He called on security agencies and government authorities to urgently intervene and restore safety in the affected communities, while ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

The victim has since been buried according to local tradition.