Senate Demands Massive Security Deployment as Abba Moro Raises Alarm Over Fresh Killings in Benue South
The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to troubled communities in Benue State following a motion by Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, over renewed attacks that have claimed at least 20 lives in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Moving a 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 lamented what he described as sustained and coordinated attacks on peaceful farming communities, warning that the violence could spiral into a wider humanitarian and food security crisis if urgent action is not taken.
The lawmaker informed the Senate that suspected armed bandits attacked Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities between Friday and Tuesday, killing 20 people, injuring several others, destroying homes and farmlands, and forcing many residents to flee their ancestral communities.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Moro reminded lawmakers that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government, stressing that the continued killings of defenseless rural dwellers represent a grave threat to national security.
He noted that two persons were killed in Akpachi-Ugboju, sixteen in Otukpo-Nobi, while two others lost their lives in the latest attack on Ondo Ugboju, with many victims still receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries in hospitals.
According to him, the coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a deliberate attempt to overrun the affected communities, warning that farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear, raising concerns about food production and livelihoods in the area.
Following the debate, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and unanimously adopted the six-point resolutions contained in the motion.
The upper chamber condemned in strong terms the killings and destruction of property in the affected communities and 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 also directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.
In addition, lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide food, medical supplies, shelter and other relief materials to displaced residents and victims receiving treatment.
The Senate further mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage relevant security agencies to review their operational strategies in Benue South and ensure full implementation of the Senate’s resolutions.
Responding, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, sympathised with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South over the tragic attacks, stressing that every Nigerian deserves to live in peace and carry out lawful activities without fear.
He expressed confidence that the Senate’s resolutions would strengthen ongoing security efforts and help prevent future attacks in Benue State and other parts of the country.
The motion was subsequently adopted by the Senate after members unanimously supported the call for urgent government intervention.
