Abba Invokes Order 42, Raises Alarm Over Worsening Herdsmen Attacks in Benue South

By Pan Afric Reporters

Fresh concerns have emerged over the deteriorating security situation in Benue South Senatorial District following the gruesöme k!lling of a public health worker, Ojama Emie, allegedly by suspected armed herdsmen in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The alarm was raised on the floor of the Senate through a personal explanation delivered under Order 42, where the lawmaker lamented what he described as a relentless wave of attæcks, k!llings and displacement of residents across several communities in Benue South, warning that the district is now “literally under siege.”

The senator recounted that Ojama Emie was allegedly ambushed, murdered and beħeaďed on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Ugbobi Road Junction along the Ikobi axis of Apa Local Government Area.

According to him, the victim’s severed head was taken away by the attackers, while the Ugbobi Junction area has become a notorious flashpoint where armed herdsmen frequently ambush commuters and residents.

“The gruesome murder of Ojama occurred at Ugbobi Road Junction in Ikobi, Apa Local Government Area. Ojama Emie was reportedly ambushed, killed and beheaded. His severed head was taken away by his assailants,” the senator told his colleagues.

He painted a grim picture of insecurity across the district, listing several communities in Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Ogbadibo local government areas as hotspots constantly under attack by armed herdsmen.

The lawmaker specifically cited communities including Ikobi, Ojantele-Akwete, Ankpali Edikwu, Okokolo, Aila, Ogbaulu, Odugbeho, Ugbamaju, Emichi and Otobi Akpa among areas facing repeated assaults.

“Benue South Senatorial District is literally under siege,” he declared.

The senator accused the Benue State Government of failing to adequately respond to the plight of affected communities despite the availability of security votes, alleging that local security outfits established by the state lack the funding and logistical support needed to effectively confront the growing threat.

“Unfortunately, in all this, the Benue State Government appears indifferent to the plight of my people,” he said.

He noted that security interventions in the affected communities have largely come from federal security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The senator further expressed concern over the continued detention of a youth leader, Oloche Silas, who he said had coordinated community efforts to repel attacks by armed marauders in Agatu Local Government Area.

According to him, Silas has remained in custody for more than a year over allegations of illegal possession of firearms, a situation he said has weakened local resistance efforts and left vulnerable communities exposed to attacks.

“Very sadly, one Oloche Silas, a youth leader who coordinated repellent activities against the armed marauders in Agatu Local Government Area, has been arrested and incarcerated for over a year now,” he stated.

The lawmaker also alleged that soldiers recently disarmed and assaulted youth volunteers who had gathered in Ologo and Asaba communities to discuss security measures following the killing of three farmers in Ikobi.

Calling for urgent intervention, the senator appealed to the leadership of the Senate and the Federal Government to facilitate the release of Oloche Silas and others facing similar circumstances, arguing that their freedom could help strengthen community-based efforts against criminal elements.

“I call on the leadership of the Senate, indeed the leadership of this our dear country, to intervene to free Mr Oloche Silas and others in similar circumstances so they can help to free the people,” he said.

The latest appeal adds to growing concerns over persistent attacks and insecurity in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural farming communities that have repeatedly come under assault from armed groups, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of livelihoods.