The Senate has mandated its security-related committees to investigate the killing of a health worker, Ojama Emie, as well as the escalating wave of insecurity in parts of Benue South Senatorial District.
The decision followed a personal explanation raised under Order 42 by the Senate Minority Leader during plenary on Tuesday.
During the session, the lawmaker decried what he described as sustained attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen across several communities in the district, insisting that the area has come under severe threat.
He drew attention to the killing of Ojama Emie, a public health worker who was reportedly ambushed, killed, and beheaded on June 8, 2026, at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area. According to him, the attackers also made away with the victim’s severed head.
The senator further noted that Ugbobi Junction along the Ugbokpo–Ikobi road has become a recurring danger point where residents and travellers are frequently attacked.
He listed several affected communities across Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini, and Ogbadibo LGAs, including Ikobi, Ojantele-Akwete, Ankali Edikwu, Okokolo, Aila, Ogbaulu, Odugbeho, Ugbamaju, Emichi, and Otobi Akpa.
The lawmaker also criticised what he called the weak response of the Benue State Government to the worsening security crisis in the affected areas. While acknowledging the efforts of the military, police, and the NSCDC, he argued that local security structures such as Operation Zenda, volunteer guards, and homeland security outfits were underfunded and poorly equipped.
He also raised concerns over the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu, who allegedly mobilised community resistance against attackers before his arrest over claims of illegal possession of firearms. According to him, Silas has been in custody for over a year, a situation he said has weakened local defence efforts.
The senator further alleged that military personnel recently disarmed and assaulted local youth volunteers who had gathered in Ologo and Asaba communities to discuss security measures after the killing of three farmers in Ikobi.
He therefore called for urgent intervention by the Senate and the Federal Government, urging action to restore security in Benue South and review cases of individuals detained in connection with community self-defence activities.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to task its relevant committees to interface with security agencies and investigate both the killing of the health worker and the broader insecurity in the region, with a view to recommending appropriate solutions.