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A health worker has been reportedly beheaded by armed invaders in Ikobi community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victim, Ojoma Emie, was said to have been travelling from Ikobi to Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa LGA on Monday evening when the attackers ambushed him and carried out the gruesome act.
It was also alleged that the deceased’s head was taken away by his killers, leaving the lifeless body on the ground.
Locals said that the incident has caused fresh concerns among residents over unabating insecurity along the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road, which residents described as a recurring flashpoint for attacks.
A woman simply identified as Enole, who expressed concerns over the incident, said residents were increasingly worried about the safety of commuters using the route.
“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,” he said.
Chairman of Apa LGA, Adam Ochega, who confirmed the incident, said the victim was attacked while travelling to Ugbokpo.
“He was on his way from Ikobi to Ugbokpo when the killers ambushed and beheaded him,” Ochega said.
Also, the Vice President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents became alarmed 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,” he said.
Ofugocho described the killing as heartbreaking, noting that the deceased was a dedicated health worker, husband and father of three children whose death has thrown the community into mourning.
He lamented the recurring attacks along the route, alleging that suspected herdsmen had turned the road into a dangerous ambush point for residents and travellers.
“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,” he told journalists in Makurdi.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, however said she was yet to get the report of the incident, as of the time of filing this report.
