By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, on Wednesday raised alarm on the floor of the Senate over escalating attacks in parts of Benue South, following the gruesome killing of a health worker, Ojama Emie, in Apa Local Government Area.
Moro, speaking under Order 42 on a matter of personal explanation, informed the Senate that the victim was ambushed, killed and beheaded by suspected armed herders along the Ikobi-Olegogba axis of the Ugbokpo-Ikobi Road on Monday, June 8, 2026.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers made away with the severed head of the deceased, describing the incident as another indication of the worsening insecurity in the district.
He identified the Ugbobi Junction area where the attack occurred as a flashpoint for violent attacks, alleging that it has become a safe haven for armed herders operating in the area.
Moro lamented that several communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas remain under persistent attacks, leaving residents living in fear and uncertainty.
The senator accused the Benue State Government of not doing enough to address the security challenges despite the resources available to it, insisting that local security outfits require more funding and support to effectively complement conventional security agencies.
He, however, commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for responding to distress calls from affected communities.
Moro also expressed concern over the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu Local Government Area who allegedly coordinated local resistance against armed attackers but was arrested over alleged illegal possession of firearms.
According to him, Silas has remained in custody for over a year, a development he said has weakened community-based efforts to protect vulnerable residents from attacks.
The senator further alleged that soldiers recently assaulted and disarmed youth volunteers who had gathered in Ologo and Asaba villages to discuss measures aimed at improving security following the killing of three farmers in Ikobi.
He questioned how rural communities could defend themselves against heavily armed attackers when local volunteers willing to support security efforts were being restrained.
Moro appealed to the leadership of the Senate and relevant authorities to facilitate the release of Oloche Silas and other youths facing similar circumstances, arguing that they could play a supportive role in safeguarding their communities.
Responding, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, sympathised with the people of Benue South, particularly residents of Apa and Agatu local government areas, over the killing of Ajama Emie and other victims of violence.
Akpabio condemned the attacks and assured Nigerians that necessary measures would be taken to improve security and protect lives and property across the country.
The Senate President subsequently referred the matter to the relevant Senate security committee for further legislative action.
