Benue State Records Gruesome Murder of Health Worker by Unknown Gunmen

A devastating incident has occurred in the Ikobi community, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, where a dedicated health worker, Ojoma Emie, was brutally murdered by armed attackers. The tragic event took place on Monday, June 8, 2026, as the victim was traveling from Ikobi to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers ambushed Emie and carried out the heinous act of beheading him, subsequently fleeing the scene with his severed head. The lifeless body of the health worker was left behind, sparking widespread concern among residents regarding the escalating insecurity along the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road. This route has become notorious for recurring attacks, leaving commuters fearful for their safety. Chairman of Apa LGA, Adam Ochega, confirmed the incident, stating that Emie was attacked while en route to Ugbokpo. 'He was on his way from Ikobi to Ugbokpo when the killers ambushed and beheaded him,' Ochega said. The Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, expressed his deep concern over the incident, saying that residents were alarmed 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 the killing as heartbreaking, noting that the deceased was a devoted health worker, husband, and father of three children, whose death has thrown the community into mourning. The recurring attacks along the route have been attributed to suspected herdsmen, who have turned the road into a dangerous ambush point for residents and travelers. The manner in which Emie was killed is difficult to comprehend, and the community is still trying to come to terms with the brutality of the act.