The Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Kaduna states, which together claimed the lives of more than 40 people within days. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Forum called on the Federal Government to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and provide adequate support to the displaced families.
Benue Attack Leaves 13 Dead
Gunmen attacked Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on the morning of Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The assault resulted in the deaths of 13 residents and left several others wounded. Security agencies were immediately deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further violence.
Kaduna Attack Claims Approximately 30 Lives
Two days earlier, on Sunday, July 26, a separate attack occurred in Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attackers killed about 30 people, including women and children, and destroyed homes, forcing many residents to flee the area. The Forum described the incidents as deeply troubling and emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address the humanitarian crisis.
Senators Back Army Expansion With Conditions
In addition to condemning the attacks, the Northern Senators Forum welcomed President Bola Tinubu's approval of a major expansion of the Nigerian Army. The plan involves increasing the number of army divisions from eight to twelve and recruiting 28,000 additional military personnel. The Presidency stated that the expansion aims to decentralize command, enhance border security, and reduce response times to security threats.
While the senators described the expansion as timely, they stressed that the new formations must be properly equipped and adequately supported. According to the Forum, personnel welfare and logistics are essential for the additional divisions to function effectively on the ground.
Call for Community Cooperation and Justice
The Northern Senators Forum urged residents to work closely with security agencies by sharing timely information about threats in their communities. The Forum also called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for the recent attacks are swiftly brought to justice and that victims and displaced persons receive adequate support.
Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar'Adua, Chairman of the Forum, stated that lasting peace would only be achieved through coordinated security action, stronger intelligence gathering, and sustained investment in Nigeria's security architecture. The Forum expressed condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Kaduna states, as well as to the families of the victims.
