The Senate has called for the immediate deployment of heavy security personnel to troubled communities in Benue South following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits that claimed 20 lives in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored on Wednesday by the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, who decried the persistent killings in Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities.
Presenting the motion, titled
“Urgent Need to Stop the Gruesome Murder of Inhabitants of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and the Fresh Attacks on Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by Suspected Bandits,” Senator Moro described the attacks as horrific and unprovoked assaults on peaceful agrarian communities.
He noted that the attacks, which occurred between Friday and Tuesday, left 20 people dead, several others injured, displaced many residents and destroyed homes, farmlands and other properties worth millions of naira.
The Minority Leader reminded the Senate that Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government, warning that the sustained attacks could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order if urgent action was not taken.
Moro further expressed concern that the continued violence was forcing farmers to abandon their farmlands, raising fears of a looming food crisis in the affected communities.
Following deliberations, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and condemned the killings in the strongest terms.
The upper chamber also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies to immediately deploy a heavy security presence to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
The Senate further directed the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation, arrest those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are prosecuted.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide relief materials, including food, medical supplies and shelter, to displaced residents and victims receiving treatment in hospitals.
In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage security chiefs and assess ongoing security operations in Benue South to ensure full implementation of the Senate’s resolutions.
Responding after the motion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathised with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South over the tragic attacks.
He stressed that every Nigerian deserves to sleep peacefully in their homes and go about their lawful activities without fear, expressing confidence that the Senate’s resolutions would help prevent future attacks in the affected communities and across the country.
