Senate Calls For Urgent Action On Benue Insecurity, Proposes Solutions
In response to the persistent killings in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State by suspected herdsmen, the Senate has called for urgent measures to address insecurity and prevent further violence.
Among the directives issued, the Senate urged security agencies to tackle the proliferation of arms across the country and recommended the inclusion of funds in the 2025 budget for constructing a Mobile Police Barracks in Ayilamo, Logo LGA.
Naija News understands that this initiative aims to strengthen security in the troubled region.
Additionally, the Senate proposed the establishment of ranches across all local governments in Nigeria to restrict cattle movement and curb herder-farmer conflicts.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance brought by Senator Emmanuel Udende, highlighting ongoing attacks in communities such as Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, and Azege within Logo LGA.
He reported that on December 1, 2024, 18 people traveling to church in Azege were killed by suspected armed herdsmen.
Udende also noted that nearly 50 individuals have been killed in recent weeks, with 15 fatalities in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin, and 6 in Uzer.
He condemned the lack of timely intervention by security agencies, stating that it had emboldened attackers and destabilized the affected communities.
Udende, who came under Order 41 and 51 of the standing orders of the Senate, said, “On the first day of December, 2024 at Azege in Tombo council Ward of Logo local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen.
“These attacks allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen, have continued unabated, undermining security ,peace and the socio-economic stability of the affected communities.
“Between 22nd October 2024 and today, nearly fifty people have been killed, with 15 killed in Ayilamo , 25 in Anyiin and 6 in Uzer community respectively.
“The continuous insecurity in these areas is in direct contravention of the constitutional provision under section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Senator Titus Zam described the killings as a recurring tragedy that has devastated lives and livelihoods in the state, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim warned that ongoing insecurity could worsen Nigeria’s food crisis and threaten national stability.
Senator Aliyu Wadada lamented the paradox of a country plagued by violence while others advance technologically, urging the nation to embrace peace and Godly principles.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro called for a comprehensive investigation into the killings, emphasizing the need to uncover the root causes of the violence.
He expressed concern over the lack of accountability, where attackers “kill and go away” unchallenged.
Senators Sunday Karimi and Victor Umeh attributed the killings to the failure to enforce anti-open grazing laws, recalling tragic incidents such as the murder of a Catholic priest and worshippers during a church service in Benue.
In addition to these discussions, the Senate directed the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to deploy additional security personnel and resources to restore peace in the affected areas.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also tasked with providing immediate relief materials and support for displaced persons in the affected communities.
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