Senate Urges Chiefs to Deploy Troops to Benue After Fresh Attacks

The Nigerian Senate has directed security chiefs to urgently deploy troops to Benue State communities affected by recent violent attacks.

The resolution followed a motion raised during plenary on the renewed killings in Kwande Local Government Area. Lawmakers expressed concern that the attacks have displaced residents and destroyed property, leaving many communities vulnerable.

Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East, moved the motion. He reported that armed groups invaded several villages, killing scores of people and forcing families to flee. He warned that the situation could escalate if immediate action is not taken.

Udende told the Senate that the attackers operated freely without resistance, highlighting the absence of adequate security presence in the affected areas. He urged the federal government to act swiftly to restore peace and protect lives.

Senators across party lines condemned the killings and called for decisive measures. They stressed that the continuous violence in Benue undermines national security and threatens food production, as the state is a major agricultural hub.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the attacks as unacceptable. He assured that the Senate will continue to press security agencies to respond effectively. Akpabio emphasised that protecting citizens remains the government’s primary responsibility.

The Senate resolved that the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector-General of Police should immediately deploy troops and personnel to the troubled communities. It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced persons.

Lawmakers further called on the federal government to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve coordination among security agencies. They noted that repeated attacks in Benue and other states show gaps in response strategies.

The Senate also appealed to the Benue State Government to work closely with federal authorities to ensure lasting peace. It stressed the need for community engagement, early warning systems, and stronger collaboration with local leaders.

The motion received unanimous support, reflecting growing frustration over persistent insecurity in rural communities. Senators warned that failure to act could embolden attackers and worsen displacement across the state.

Benue has faced recurring violence from armed herders and bandits in recent years. The latest attacks add to a long list of incidents that have claimed hundreds of lives and disrupted farming activities.

Residents of Kwande Local Government Area say they are living in fear, with many abandoning their homes. Community leaders have appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.

By directing security chiefs to deploy troops, the Senate hopes to reassure affected communities and restore confidence in government protection. The resolution underscores the urgency of tackling insecurity in Nigeria’s rural areas.