There was angst yesterday at the Senate over the alleged killing of 113 people in four separate attacks on towns in Benue State, with the senators demanding quick security action to stem the slaughter and avert additional loss of lives. TrackBills
The Guardian says that they were particularly deeply concerned by the killing of six Mobile Police members in one of the attacks, and questioned the safety of residents in towns increasingly exposed to armed violence.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East), said 24 people were killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Council Area and a total of 63 in another assault on Bom and Aboajio villages in Ukum Local Council Area. Track Bills
He said that 15 persons including six Mobile Police officers were reportedly slain in another attack on Ayilamo in Logo Local Council Area and another 11 people were killed on October 8, 2026, when attackers struck Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako communities in Ukum and also destroyed property. Discover Police Careers
Udende called on the government to act immediately, noting that the repeated attacks had also destroyed livelihoods, hampered farming and other economic activity and increased the risk of relocation.
Udende said the deployment of military personnel to the affected regions of his constituency will boost security and provide the people the assurance of their safety.
Speaking in support of the motion, Senator Jide Ipinshagba asked what would happen to unarmed civilians if security officers were being killed.
The reported assassination of security personnel raised serious doubts about the safety of ordinary inhabitants who depend on the police and military for protection, he said. Compare Security
The Senate, in adopting the motion, urged the federal government to take immediate steps to halt additional attacks in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo councils and other vulnerable areas across Benue State.
The duo also urged the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Army Staff and relevant security and intelligence chiefs to scale up operations in the affected areas, deploy enough personnel, operational resources, effective intelligence gathering and early-warning systems to identify threats before attackers strike.
The Senate also asked for the creation of swift reaction systems, rigorous investigations into the killings and prosecution of anyone found guilty.
He said security services need to increase preventive efforts and not just react after communities have incurred casualties. Security Comparison
The Senate also voiced worry about the humanitarian repercussions of the assaults, including the destruction of homes, loss of livelihoods and the relocation of residents.
It encouraged the National Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to offer prompt relief items and support to the victims.
In his closing remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to collaborate with relevant agencies to find ways of improving security operations and the deployment of people.
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