Senate to Probe Killing of Benue Health Worker

The Nigerian Senate has ordered an investigation into the murder of a public health worker, identified as Ojama Emie, who was killed in Benue State.

While speaking on the floor of the Senate during Wednesday’s plenary, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, who represents Benue South and serves as the Minority Leader of the Senate, 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.”

Emie was 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 Benue State.

Moro told lawmakers that the health worker’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.

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

According to him, the Benue State Government has failed to address insecurity in the affected communities.

The senator appealed to the Senate leadership and the Nigerian Government to address the deteriorating security situation in Benue South and to facilitate the release of individuals detained in connection with community self-defence efforts.