Posted on: Wed 10-06-2026

The Ikobi community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State has been thrown into deep mourning following the gruesome killing and beheading of a health worker, Ojoma Emie, by armed attackers on Monday evening.

Emie, a wellknown and dedicated health worker in the area, was travelling from Ikobi to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA , when he was ambushed. According to community sources, the attackers not only killed him but also beheaded him and took his head away, leaving his body at the scene. The shocking nature of the attack has intensified fear among residents, who say the Ikobi Ugbokpo road has become increasingly unsafe.

Locals reported hearing between 10 and 15 gunshots around the time of the incident, prompting immediate panic. It was later discovered that Emie, who was on his way to purchase medicine, had been the victim of the attack at Ugbobi Junction.

A resident, Enole, expressed deep concern over the recurring violence along the route, describing it as a “persistent ambush point” where suspected armed herders repeatedly target travellers. “Our people can no longer move freely within their own communities,” she lamented.

The Chairman of Apa LGA, Adam Ochega, confirmed the killing, describing it as another devastating blow to a community already battling insecurity. He emphasized that the victim was simply on a routine journey when he was ambushed and beheaded.

The Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said the community is heartbroken, noting that Emie was not only a committed health worker but also a husband and father of three. “The manner in which he was killed is heartbreaking,” he said. “After taking his life, the attackers severed his head and fled with it. This level of brutality is difficult to comprehend.”

Residents say the Ikobi Ugbokpo road has become a notorious danger zone, with repeated attacks creating fear and uncertainty for commuters. Many are calling for urgent government intervention to restore safety and prevent further loss of life.

As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that the command had not yet received an official briefing on the incident.

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