Suspected herdsmen ambushed and killed a local health officer, Ojoma Emie, on Monday morning in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The father of three was returning with medicine from Ugbokpo town when he was targeted along the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road.
The attackers struck at the notorious Ugbobi Junction, an area where residents say armed herders frequently lay in wait for travelers.
The assailants hacked him to death and fled with his severed head, leaving his body to be discovered later by community members.
Confirming the tragedy, Ikobi Progressive Forum Vice President Dr. Edoh Ofugocho stated that residents rushed out after hearing dozens of gunshots.
“Our people heard gunshots about 10 to 15 times. People immediately became apprehensive because they knew he was on his way to Ugbokpo to buy medicine. Later, it was discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction,” Ofugocho said.
Lamenting the lack of official protection, Ofugocho added, “We are deeply worried that this particular route has become a recurring ambush point for suspected herdsmen. Our people can no longer travel freely on roads within their own communities. The manner in which he was killed is heartbreaking. After taking his life, the attackers severed his head and fled with it. This level of brutality is difficult to comprehend.”
As the victim was laid to rest, Ofugocho pleaded for immediate government intervention, saying, “This is not the first time our people have come under attack. We have continued to cry out for improved security, but the attacks persist. Residents now live in constant fear. 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.”
