Killings in Apa and Ukum counties deepen fears as residents blame Fulani Ethnic Militia for escalating violence.
By Ekani Olikita & Mike Odeh James
MAKURDI, Nigeria — Armed assailants identified by residents as Fulani Ethnic Militia have killed a Christian health worker and a rice farmer in separate attacks across Benue State within 24 hours, deepening fears in rural communities already battered by months of violence and displacement.
The attacks occurred in two different communities across the central Nigerian state, heightening fears among rural residents already struggling with persistent insecurity and recurring violence.
The victims were identified as Ojoma Emie, a health worker and medicine vendor from Apa County, and Joseph Dodo Terkura, a rice farmer from Ukum County.
Residents say the latest killings underscore a worsening security crisis that has displaced families, disrupted farming, and heightened tensions across affected communities.
Health Worker Killed in Apa County
Residents said Emie, a father of three, was attacked and killed on June 8, 2026, by well-armed Fulani terrorists while returning from Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa County, where he had gone to purchase medical supplies. The attack reportedly occurred near Ugbobi Junction along the Ikobi–Olegogba road, an area residents describe as a recurring security hotspot
The killing came just days after three farmers were reportedly killed in the same Ikobi community, heightening fears among residents that the violence is escalating.
Community members told TruthNigeria that many villages along the Ikobi–Olegogba corridor have been deserted as residents flee repeated attacks.
Gabriel Kingsley, a resident of Ikobi, in an interview with TruthNigeria said, “Ojoma was slashed to death by a group of about 7 well armed Fulani Jihadists, speaking Fufulde and chanting Allahu Akbar while carrying out their action.
“Our People are living in constant fear. Many families no longer travel on the road unless absolutely necessary. Every attack deepens the feeling that nobody is protecting us.”
Emmanuel Ochekwu, another resident of Ikobi said the latest killing has further damaged confidence in local security efforts.
“Ojoma was well known in this community because he provided medicines and basic healthcare. His death has shocked everyone. We are asking the government to intervene before more lives are lost”, Ochekwu told TruthNigeria
Death Toll Reportedly Reaches 45
Investigative reports by Idoma Voice indicate that the death of Emie brings the number of residents killed along the Ikobi–Olegogba road since the beginning of 2026 to at least 45.
Residents say repeated attacks have disrupted farming, trade and transportation, worsening economic hardship in an area where most families depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Farmer Killed in Ukum County
In a separate incident on Tuesday June 9, 2026, armed Muslim Fulani terrorists reportedly ambushed and killed Joseph Dodo Terkura while he was working on his rice farm in Tse-Agyayo village, located in Uyam Precinct (Councik Ward) of Ukum County.
Ordedo Aondoana, a resident of Tse-Agyayo and an Eyewitness said “the attackers were Fulani Ethnic Militia, chanting Allahu Akbar, struck around midday and fled before security personnel arrived.
He described the impact of the attack on local Christian farmers.
“People are afraid to go to their farms. This is the planting season, but many families are staying away from their fields because they fear being attacked”, Ordedo told TruthNigeria.
The killing adds to growing concerns about insecurity across rural communities in Benue, a state that has experienced years of conflict involving heavily armed Muslim Fulani Ethnic Militia and predominantly Christian farming communities.
Security Expert Warns of Expanding Rural Insecurity
Security analyst and Ayati Community Leader in Ukum County, Christopher Ahangba Ayati said the latest incidents reflect a broader security challenge facing rural communities across the Middle Belt region.
“These attacks demonstrate the persistent vulnerability of remote Christian farming communities. When residents cannot safely access roads, farms and markets, the consequences extend beyond immediate casualties to food security, economic stability and public confidence in state institutions”, he told TruthNigeria.
Ahangba called for improved intelligence gathering, rapid-response security deployments, and stronger protection for vulnerable rural settlements.
“Preventing further violence will require sustained security operations, stronger community engagement, and accountability for those responsible for attacks,” he said
According to the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, armed Fulani militants were linked to nearly 24,000 civilian deaths during a four-year reporting period, making the conflict among the deadliest sources of violence in contemporary Nigeria.
According to a May 2026 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), armed Fulani militia violence remains one of the most significant drivers of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, contributing to civilian deaths, displacement, and growing instability.
Why It Matters
Benue State is one of Nigeria’s most important agricultural regions and is often referred to as the country’s “food basket.” Continued violence threatens agricultural production, displaces rural populations and deepens humanitarian pressures.
For the United States and its partners, worsening insecurity in central Nigeria raises concerns about regional stability, food security, human rights and the protection of civilian populations in Africa’s most populous country.
Ekani Olikita and Mike Odeh James are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
