The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of heavy security personnel to troubled communities in Benue South following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits that claimed at least 20 lives in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, on the gruesome attacks on 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,” Moro described the attacks as horrific and unprovoked, lamenting the sustained killings of innocent residents.
He said the attacks, which occurred between Friday and Tuesday, left 20 people dead, several others injured, displaced many families and destroyed properties and farmlands worth millions of naira.
The lawmaker reminded the Senate that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government as provided under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, warning that the continued attacks could trigger a humanitarian and food security crisis if urgent action was not taken.
According to Moro, the coordinated nature of the attacks suggested a deliberate attempt to wipe out the affected communities, stressing that farmers have abandoned their farmlands for fear of further attacks.
Following deliberations, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and condemned the killings and destruction of property 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 adequate security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
It further mandated the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation, apprehend those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.
The Senate 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 temporary shelter, to displaced residents and victims receiving treatment in hospitals.
In addition, the Senate directed its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage with relevant security agencies to assess ongoing operations in Benue South and ensure full implementation of its resolutions.
Responding after the motion was adopted, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, sympathised with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South over the tragic attacks.
Akpabio said every Nigerian deserved the right to sleep peacefully and go about lawful activities without fear, expressing confidence that the Senate’s resolutions would help prevent future attacks in the affected communities and across the country.
The Senate thereafter observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attacks.
