Senate Moves for Urgent Security Overhaul After Benue Killings
By Admin
The Nigerian Senate has called for immediate and decisive action to halt the spate of killings in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, following a motion sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
Raising the motion during plenary on Wednesday, Senator Moro drew attention to the gruesome killing of several residents on April 12, 2026, allegedly by suspected armed herdsmen.
He noted that the attack reflects a disturbing and recurring pattern of violence across rural communities in Benue State, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents.
The Senate expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, warning that the persistent attacks have created fear among residents, disrupted farming activities, and posed a serious threat to food security in a state widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”
Lawmakers stressed that the continued brutality of such attacks raises questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, the Senate called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, advocating for more proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based approaches to tackling insecurity.
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional military and paramilitary personnel to Apa Local Government Area and other affected parts of Benue State to restore law and order.
It also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies to intensify coordinated operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring they are brought to justice without delay.
The Senate further mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recurring attacks in Benue South and across the state, with a view to recommending sustainable solutions.
In addition, lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including relief materials and medical support, to affected communities.
As part of long-term measures, the Senate called on the Federal Government to develop and implement strategies to address farmer-herder conflicts, including ranching policies, land use reforms, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
The upper legislative chamber also directed the immediate establishment of a Police Area Command and a military base in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas, alongside improved funding for security agencies to boost intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
The Senate did not spare the Benue State Government, calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to rise to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property within the state.
In honour of the victims, the Senate observed a minute of silence, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice and restoring peace to the affected communities.
