Senate to investigate the murder of a Benue health worker allegedly by armed herdsmen.

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate has opened an investigation into the death of public health worker Ojama Emie, who was reportedly murdered by suspected armed herdsmen at the Ugbobi Road junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The inquiry was triggered by a point of order raised by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) during a plenary session on Tuesday.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded by directing the relevant Senate security committees to liaise with security agencies so that those responsible can be identified and prosecuted.

“Let me join him to console the bereaved family and also pay respect to the person who was killed, and refer this matter to the relevant security committees of the Senate to take it up with the security agencies for further action,” Akpabio said.

Senator Moro, speaking under Order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended), described the killing as brutal, alleging that the victim was ambushed, killed and beheaded by his attackers, who reportedly fled with his severed head.

He said the incident occurred on Monday, June 8, 2026, at a known flashpoint along the Ikobi–Olegogba axis of the Ugbokpo–Ikobi road, a site he said has become a recurring hotspot for violent attacks on commuters.

Moro also raised concerns about the broader security situation in Benue South, citing repeated attacks on communities in Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas.

He criticized the state‑level security response, noting that federal security agencies have largely shouldered the burden of responding to attacks in the affected areas.

The lawmaker called for the release of community youth leader Oloche Silas, who has been detained for over a year on allegations of illegal possession of firearms, arguing that local security volunteers are being weakened amid rising insecurity.

According to Moro, recent security challenges have left rural communities vulnerable and in need of stronger protection from security agencies.

The Senate is expected to refer the matter to its security‑related committees for further legislative action and engagement with relevant authorities.

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