The Senate has directed its relevant security committees to investigate the brutal killing of a public health worker, Ojama Emie, and the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State following concerns raised during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The resolution followed a matter of personal explanation presented under Order 42 by the Senate Minority Leader.
Raising the issue on the floor of the Senate, the lawmaker decried the persistent attacks and killings allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders across communities in Benue South Senatorial District, describing the area as being “under siege”.
He specifically highlighted the killing of Ojama Emie, a public health worker who was reportedly ambushed, murdered and beheaded on June 8, 2026, at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area of the state.
According to the senator, the attackers allegedly made away with the victim’s severed head, while Ugbobi Junction along the Ugbokpo–Ikobi Road has become a notorious hotspot where armed herders frequently ambush motorists and residents.
He identified several communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas that have suffered repeated attacks, including Ikobi, Ojantele-Akwete, Ankali Edikwu, Okokolo, Aila, Ogbaulu, Odugbeho, Ugbamaju, Emichi and Otobi Akpa.
The senator expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate response of the Benue State Government to the security challenges confronting affected communities.
While commending the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), he alleged that local security outfits, including Operation Zenda, Volunteer Guards and Homeland Security personnel, have not received sufficient funding from state and local authorities to effectively tackle the attacks.
The lawmaker also raised concerns over the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu Local Government Area who, according to him, coordinated community efforts against armed attackers before being arrested over alleged illegal possession of firearms.
He argued that Silas’ detention for more than a year has weakened local defence efforts and left vulnerable communities more exposed to attacks.
The senator further alleged that military personnel recently assaulted and disarmed youth volunteers who had gathered in Ologo and Asaba communities to discuss security strategies following the killing of three farmers in Ikobi.
Calling for urgent intervention, he appealed to the Senate leadership and the Federal Government to address the deteriorating security situation in Benue South and facilitate the release of individuals detained in connection with community self-defence efforts.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to mandate its relevant committees to engage with security agencies and investigate both the circumstances surrounding the killing of the health worker and the wider security challenges facing communities in the district, with a view to recommending appropriate solutions.