Senate Committee To Probe Killing Of Benue Health Worker, Insecurity In Benue South

 

The Senate has directed its relevant security committees to investigate the gruesome killing of a public health worker, identified as Ojama Emie, and the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State following concerns raised on the floor of the upper chamber during plenary on Tuesday.

The resolution followed a matter of personal explanation raised under Order 42 by the Senate Minority Leader.

Presenting the matter, the lawmaker lamented the persistent attacks and killings allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen across communities in Benue South Senatorial District, describing the region as being “under siege.”

He specifically drew attention to the murder of Ojama Emie, a public health worker who was reportedly ambushed, killed and beheaded on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of the state.

According to the senator, the victim’s severed head was taken away by the attackers, while Ugbobi Junction along the Ugbokpo–Ikobi Road has become a notorious flashpoint where armed herdsmen frequently ambush motorists and residents.

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He listed several communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas that have suffered repeated attacks, including Ikobi, Ojantele-Akwete, Ankali Edikwu, Okokolo, Aila, Ogbaulu, Odugbeho, Ugbamaju, Emichi and Otobi Akpa.

The senator expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate response of the Benue State Government to the security challenges facing the affected communities.

While commending the efforts of security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, he alleged that local security outfits, including Operation Zenda, Volunteer Guards and Homeland Security personnel, have not received sufficient funding from the state and local governments to effectively combat the attacks.

The lawmaker also raised concerns over the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu Local Government Area who, according to him, coordinated community efforts against armed attackers before his arrest over alleged illegal possession of firearms.

He argued that Silas’ incarceration for more than a year had weakened local resistance efforts and left vulnerable communities exposed to further attacks.

The senator further alleged that military personnel recently assaulted and disarmed youth volunteers who had gathered in Ologo and Asaba communities to discuss security measures following the killing of three farmers in Ikobi.

Calling for urgent intervention, the senator appealed to the Senate leadership and the Federal Government to address the deteriorating security situation in Benue South and facilitate the release of individuals detained under circumstances related to community self-defence efforts.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to mandate its relevant committees to engage security agencies and investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of the health worker and the broader security challenges confronting communities in the district, with a view to recommending appropriate measures.

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