A health worker, identified as Ojoma Emie, has been killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Monday morning along the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road as the victim was returning from Ugbokpo town, where he had reportedly gone to purchase medicine.
Sources told Journalists that Emie, a father of three who lived in Oloke, Ikobi, was ambushed at Ugbobi Junction, a section of the road residents have described as a frequent attack point for armed herders.
According to the sources, the attackers killed the victim and fled the scene, leaving his body behind. Residents later discovered the corpse and alerted the community.
Confirming the incident, Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents became concerned after hearing several gunshots from the area.
“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.
He described the deceased as a dedicated health worker, husband and father, whose death has left the community devastated.
Ofugocho alleged that communities in the area had continued to suffer attacks by suspected herdsmen despite repeated calls for improved security.
“We are deeply worried that this particular route has become a recurring ambush point. Our people can no longer travel freely on roads within their own communities,” he said.
He added that the victim had been buried and appealed to security agencies and government authorities to strengthen security in the area and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Residents say fear remains high in the community amid concerns over recurring attacks along major routes in the local government area.
