The Nigerian Senate has issued an urgent call for the deployment of security forces to Benue State following a wave of fresh attacks that have resulted in multiple fatalities in several communities. The upper legislative chamber, during its plenary session on Wednesday, condemned the violence and demanded immediate action from the federal government to protect lives and property.
Details of the Attacks
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, targeted villages in the Guma and Makurdi local government areas. According to local sources, armed assailants stormed the communities, setting houses ablaze and killing at least 15 residents. Many others have been reported missing, and hundreds have been displaced, fleeing to nearby towns for safety.
Senator Titus Tartenger, representing Benue North-West, raised a point of order on the floor of the Senate, drawing attention to the recurring violence in the state. He described the situation as a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate federal intervention.
Senate Resolution
In response, the Senate passed a resolution urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the displaced persons. The lawmakers also called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional troops and police personnel to the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He directed the Senate Committee on Defence and Police Affairs to oversight the implementation of the resolution and report back within two weeks.
Benue Governor Reacts
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has also condemned the attacks. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the governor described the incident as a setback to the peace efforts in the state. He urged security agencies to intensify patrols and apprehend the perpetrators.
Governor Alia further appealed to the federal government to establish a permanent military base in the area to deter future attacks.
Previous Attacks and Security Concerns
Benue State has experienced repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen and armed gangs over the past few years. According to a report by the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, over 500 people have been killed in such attacks since 2022. The state government has repeatedly called for increased security presence, but the violence has persisted.
The Senate's latest resolution underscores the growing frustration among lawmakers over the inability of security forces to curb the violence in the North-Central region.
Call for National Action
Several senators, during the debate, stressed the need for a coordinated national strategy to address the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes and grazing routes. Senator Adamu Aliero called for the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which aims to promote ranching and reduce farmer-herder clashes.
Meanwhile, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Security and Intelligence to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the attacks and recommend lasting solutions.
