A health worker, identified as Ojoma Emie, has been killed by suspected herdsmen in Ikobi community, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Monday morning, has sparked renewed concerns over insecurity in the area, with residents alleging persistent attacks by armed herders along major routes within the community.
Community sources said Emie, a father of three, was returning from Ugbokpo, where he had gone to purchase medical supplies, when he was ambushed at Ugbobi Junction on the Ikobi-Ugbokpo road.
The attackers were said to have hacked him to death before mutilating his body and fleeing the scene.
Residents later discovered the victim's remains and alerted members of the community.
Speaking on the incident, the Vice-President of the Ikobi Progressive Forum, Dr. Edoh Ofugocho, said residents became worried after hearing several gunshots from the area.
According to him, community members suspected danger because the deceased was known to have travelled through the route earlier in the day.
"Our people heard repeated gunshots and immediately became concerned. When efforts were made to trace him, it was later discovered that he had been attacked and killed at Ugbobi Junction," Ofugocho said.
He described the deceased as a dedicated health worker and family man whose death had thrown the community into mourning.
Ofugocho lamented what he described as recurring attacks on Ikobi residents, alleging that the road where the incident occurred had become a frequent ambush point for suspected herders.
He said fear had gripped residents, many of whom now avoid travelling through certain parts of the community.
"The brutality of the attack is deeply disturbing. Our people have continued to face security threats, yet the attacks persist despite repeated appeals for protection," he stated.
The community leader called on security agencies and the Benue State Government to intensify efforts to secure the area and ensure that those behind the killing were apprehended and prosecuted.
He added that the deceased had been buried in accordance with local customs.
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