On Monday morning, suspected herders ambushed and killed a health officer named Ojoma Emie in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area, Benue State.
Emie, a father of three from Oloke, Ikobi, was returning from Ugbokpo town, where he had gone to purchase medicine, when the attackers allegedly ambushed him at Ugbobi Junction, a notorious spot along the Ikobi-Olegogba axis of the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road where residents say armed herders frequently lay ambushes for travellers.
According to sources, the intruders macheted him to death, severed his head, and left, leaving his headless body in a pool of blood.
Residents of the village eventually discovered the corpse.
Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, confirmed the event to saying that locals grew worried after hearing many gunshots in the vicinity.
“Our people heard gunfire around 10-15 times. People were instantly concerned since they knew he was on his way to Ugbokpo to purchase medicine. Later, it was revealed that he had been attacked and murdered at Ugbobi Junction,” Ofugocho stated.
He noted that Emie was a community health worker who was married and had children before his tragic death.
Ofugocho noted that Ikobi had been repeatedly attacked by suspected herders, claiming that the authorities had made little or no attempt to appropriately safeguard inhabitants.
He stated, “We are genuinely concerned that this specific path has become a frequent ambush spot for suspected herders. Our people can no longer freely travel on local roadways.
“The way he was killed is horrible. Following his death, the attackers cut his head and escaped with it. This amount of violence is impossible to understand.
“It is not the first time our folks have been attacked. We have continued to call for enhanced security, but the attacks continue. Residents are now in continual fear.
He revealed that the victims had been buried and appealed for immediate security measures to put an end to the ongoing atrocities in the area.
“We call on security agencies and the government to take urgent steps to secure our communities and bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice,” Edo said.