Senate Urges Immediate Security Deployment Over Fresh Killings in Benue Communities

The Senate has urged immediate security deployment to attacked Benue communities, ordered investigations into the killings and called for urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced residents affected by the violence.

The Senate has called for the immediate deployment of security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities in Benue State following renewed attacks by suspected bandits that reportedly claimed at least 20 lives.

The resolution was adopted on Wednesday after a motion sponsored by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Otukpo Local Government Area.

During plenary, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of those killed in the attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and the latest assault on Ondo Ugboju.

The Senate urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant security agencies to immediately deploy additional security personnel to the affected communities to restore peace, protect residents and prevent further attacks.

Lawmakers also directed the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.

According to the Senate, bringing the perpetrators to justice is necessary to deter similar attacks and strengthen public confidence in the country’s security institutions.

The upper chamber further appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide relief materials to those affected by the violence.

It said displaced residents require immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, medical supplies and temporary shelter, to alleviate their suffering.

The lawmakers stressed the need for sustained security operations in vulnerable communities across Benue State, noting that repeated attacks have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities.

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting measures aimed at improving security nationwide while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence in Benue and other affected parts of the country.