The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of security forces to troubled communities in Benue State following renewed attacks that have left at least 20 persons dead in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who raised alarm over what he described as sustained and coordinated attacks on communities in Benue South Senatorial District.
The affected communities—Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju—were reportedly attacked on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday, resulting in deaths, injuries, displacement of residents and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Moving the motion titled “Urgent Need to Stop the Gruesome Murder of Inhabitants of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Fresh Attacks on Ondo Ugboju,” Moro expressed deep concern over the security situation, noting that the attacks have left residents in fear and triggered a humanitarian crisis.
He said, “The primary responsibility of any government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, is the security and welfare of its citizens,” stressing that urgent intervention was needed to prevent further loss of lives.
The lawmaker disclosed that 18 persons were killed in earlier attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi, while a fresh assault on Ondo Ugboju claimed two additional lives, bringing the total death toll to 20.
He lamented that several residents sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while others have been displaced after fleeing their homes.
Moro warned that the persistent attacks could lead to a breakdown of law and order, as well as a looming food crisis, given that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to insecurity.
Adopting the motion, the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the victims and condemned the killings in strong terms.
The upper chamber also urged the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to the affected communities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
It further mandated the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
In addition, the Senate called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide relief materials, including food, medical supplies and shelter, to displaced persons.
The Senate also directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage with security agencies to review their strategies and ensure effective implementation of the resolutions.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, sympathised with the people of Benue South, stressing that Nigerians deserve to live without fear.
He said, “Nigerians should be able to sleep in their houses with their eyes closed and go about their lawful activities without fear,” expressing confidence that the Senate’s resolutions would help prevent further attacks.