Senate to probe murder of Benue health worker by suspected armed herdsmen

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate has commenced an investigation into the killing of a public health worker, Ojama Emie, who was allegedly murdered by suspected armed herdsmen at Ugbobi Road junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The move followed a point of order raised by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who brought the incident to the attention of the chamber during plenary on Tuesday.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the matter to the relevant Senate security committees, directing them to engage security agencies with a view to ensuring that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

“Let me join him to console the bereaved family and also pay respect to the person who was killed, and refer this matter to the relevant security committees of the Senate to take it up with the security agencies for further action,” Akpabio said.

Senator Moro, who spoke under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended), described the killing as brutal, alleging that the victim was ambushed, killed and beheaded by his attackers, who reportedly fled with his severed head.

He said the incident occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, at a known flashpoint along the Ikobi–Olegogba axis of the Ugbokpo–Ikobi road, which he described as a recurring hotspot for violent attacks on commuters.

Moro also raised concerns about the wider security situation in parts of Benue South, alleging repeated attacks on communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas.

He further lamented what he described as inadequate response from state-level security arrangements, stating that federal security agencies have largely borne the burden of responding to attacks in affected areas.

The lawmaker also called for the release of community youth leader, Oloche Silas, who he said has been detained for over a year on allegations of illegal possession of firearms, arguing that local security volunteers were being weakened amid rising insecurity.

According to him, recent security challenges have left rural communities vulnerable and in need of stronger protection from security agencies.

The Senate is expected to refer the matter to its security-related committees for further legislative action and engagement with relevant authorities.

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