National Assembly leaders to meet President Tinubu over raging insecurity in Benue after fresh attacks
In response to the brutal killing of dozens of people in the latest attacks on some communities in Benue State by unidentified attackers, the Senate on Wednesday passed a motion asking the heads of both legislative chambers of the National Assembly to immediately meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to chart a path to the unabated insecurity that has affected many Nigerians
More than 40 people, including a family of seven, were feared killed by armed terrorists parading as herdsmen in communities in Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State on Tuesday.
Police in Benue also confirmed the clash and declared that only eight corpses had so far been recovered from the scene.
Speaking on the attack, lawmakers called on security agencies to bring the armed men to book and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
The call for a meeting with the President was also brought to the fore as part of measures to address the incessant killings.
Leading debate on the motion, Senator Udende bemoaned that no fewer than 50 persons have been killed in fresh attacks in the affected communities, including Tyuluv, Borikyo, Kundav, Ugbaam, Uyam, Udedeku, Yaaiwa, Nyihemba, Tomatar , Menakwagh, Yiase and Agura, all in the Benue North East Senatorial District.
He said, “The residents of the villages and communities now find themselves targeted on a daily basis by heavily armed terrorist herdsmen, and the toll continues to be staggering as they bear the brunt, with reports of marauders butchering several villagers, leaving many homes completely burnt down and numerous residents still missing while the perpetrators, however, remain elusive and have not been apprehended.
“This pathetic situation and development has inflicted untold hardship on women, children and the elderly, who are trekking long distances in search of a safe haven and awaiting the intervention of security operatives.”
The lawmaker maintained that “the purpose of government is the security and safety of lives and properties in line with Section 14 (2) b of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and there is need to act urgently”.
In their resolutions, the upper legislative chamber harped on the need to review security architecture in the affected areas to halt the violent campaigns.
