Senate Orders Probe into Beheading of Benue Health Worker

The Senate has directed its relevant security committees to launch an investigation into the gruesome killing of a public health worker, Ojama Emie and the worsening wave of insecurity ravaging communities across Benue South Senatorial District.

The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised during plenary by the Senate Minority Leader, Patrick Abba Moro, who painted a grim picture of persistent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders across several communities in the state.

Addressing lawmakers, the senator described parts of Benue South as being under sustained siege, warning that residents now live in constant fear amid recurring attacks and killings.

At the centre of the Senate's concern is the killing of Ojama Emie, a public health worker who was reportedly ambushed and beheaded on June 8, 2026, at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area. According to the lawmaker, the attackers allegedly severed the victim's head and took it away after the attack.

He identified Ugbobi Junction along the Ugbokpo–Ikobi Road as one of several dangerous flashpoints where armed attackers routinely ambush travellers, farmers and local residents.

The senator listed numerous affected communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas, including Ikobi, Ojantele-Akwete, Ankali Edikwu, Okokolo, Aila, Ogbaulu, Odugbeho, Ugbamaju, Emichi and Otobi Akpa.

He argued that despite the efforts of federal security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police and Civil Defence Corps, local security structures remain poorly funded and ill-equipped.

The lawmaker particularly criticised what he described as inadequate support for local security outfits such as Operation Zenda, Volunteer Guards and Homeland Security personnel.

He also raised concerns about the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu Local Government Area who was arrested over alleged illegal possession of firearms.

According to him, Silas had been actively involved in organising community resistance against attacks before his arrest more than a year ago.

The senator further alleged that military personnel recently disarmed and assaulted local volunteers who had gathered to discuss security measures after the killing of three farmers in the area.

Calling for urgent intervention, he urged the Federal Government and Senate leadership to take immediate steps to halt the violence and restore confidence among residents.

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to mandate its security committees to engage relevant agencies, investigate the killing of the health worker and assess the broader security challenges confronting communities across Benue South.

The committees are expected to submit recommendations aimed at strengthening security and preventing further loss of lives.