Benue under siege: Moro Condemns beheading, seeks youth leader’s release
By Victor Idajili
Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, on Wednesday raised alarm on the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State, following the gruesome killing and beheading of a constituent, Ajama Emie, by suspected armed bandits.
Presenting the matter before the Senate under Order 42 on personal explanation, Moro disclosed that the victim, a health worker, was ambushed and killed on Monday, June 8, 2026, along the Ikobi–Olegogba axis at Ugbobi Junction in Apa Local Government Area.
According to him, the attackers reportedly severed and made away with the victim’s head.
The lawmaker described the area as a notorious flashpoint allegedly occupied by armed herders and warned that communities across Benue South were facing sustained attacks.
He listed several affected communities in Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas, saying residents now live under constant fear.
Moro criticised what he described as the inadequate response of the Benue State Government despite monthly security allocations, arguing that federal security agencies, including the military, police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have borne the major burden of responding to distress calls.
He further expressed concern over the continued detention of Oloche Silas, a youth leader from Agatu Local Government Area who, according to him, coordinated local resistance against armed attackers but has remained incarcerated for more than a year over alleged illegal possession of firearms.
The senator also alleged that security personnel had disarmed and assaulted youth volunteers gathered in Ologo and Asaba villages to discuss measures for protecting vulnerable communities after recent killings.
Questioning how rural communities could defend themselves without support, Moro urged the Senate leadership and relevant authorities to facilitate the release of Silas and others in similar circumstances to enable them complement official security efforts.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathised with Moro and the people of Benue South, particularly residents of Apa and Agatu, over the killings. He condemned the attack and assured that necessary steps would be taken to safeguard lives and property across the country.
Akpabio subsequently referred the matter to the relevant Senate security committee for legislative action.
