The Senate on Thursday condemned the killing of 113 people in a series of attacks across four communities in Benue North-East Senatorial District, urging security agencies to step up operations and prevent further bloodshed in the state.
The lawmakers called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security chiefs to strengthen security operations in the affected communities through better coordination and adequate deployment of personnel.
The resolution followed a motion raised on the floor of the Senate over the recent attacks that claimed 113 lives, leaving many families displaced and communities devastated.
The Senate also directed security agencies to establish effective early-warning and rapid-response systems to prevent future attacks. It further urged the agencies to investigate the killings, arrest those responsible and ensure sustained protection for vulnerable communities.
To address the humanitarian situation, the upper chamber called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, to provide relief materials and other assistance to displaced persons affected by the attacks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the sponsor of the motion, Senator Emmanuel Udende, for drawing the attention of the Senate to the tragedy. He also appreciated senators for their contributions and sympathy for the victims and their families.
Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Resolutions and Compliance to engage relevant security agencies to determine the number of personnel needed to adequately secure the affected communities.
He noted that the killing of security personnel during the attacks had raised serious concerns about the safety of unarmed civilians living in communities that have repeatedly come under attack.
The Senate President urged the service chiefs and other security authorities to strengthen deployments and take decisive measures to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks and loss of lives.
The Senate unanimously adopted all five prayers contained in the motion before observing a minute of silence in honour of the 113 victims.
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s worst-hit states by recurring attacks linked to armed groups, with several communities suffering repeated killings, displacement and destruction of property. The latest Senate intervention adds to growing calls for stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering and lasting measures to end the cycle of violence in the state.
