Senate Calls for Quick Action to Address Killings in Benue Communities

The Senate on Wednesday asked for security forces to be sent to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju, and nearby areas in Benue State. This comes after fresh attacks by suspected bandits that have taken at least 20 lives.

The decision followed a motion from Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South). He highlighted the urgent need to stop the brutal killings in the affected areas of Otukpo Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate held a minute of silence for the victims of the attacks in Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi. They also remembered those who died in the recent assault on Ondo Ugboju.

The Senate urged the inspector-general of police, the chief of army staff, and other security agencies to send a strong security presence to the affected areas. They want to restore normal life, protect people and property, and prevent more attacks.

The Senate also directed the inspector-general of police to carry out a thorough investigation into the attacks. They want the culprits caught and punished to stop future incidents.

Additionally, the Senate called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to quickly provide relief materials. This includes food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters for those displaced.

While presenting the motion, Mr Moro, who is the Senate minority leader, expressed his shock over the planned attacks on Ondo Ugboju on 14 July. He said the attacks have caused panic and widespread displacement in the local government area.

He pointed out that the bold nature of the attacks shows a clear attempt to destroy the affected communities. "If urgent security measures are not taken, the situation will worsen, leading to total lawlessness and a possible food crisis as farmers flee their lands in fear," he said.

NAN reports that the Senate agreed to the motion unanimously after a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

After the meeting, Mr Moro told journalists, "It is time to be honest. Governors should not wait until communities are attacked before making statements. They need to take steps to prevent such attacks."

He also criticized the financial donations made for the victims, calling them insufficient. He emphasized that no amount of relief can replace the lives lost and the destruction faced by the affected communities.