The recent spate of attacks by suspected terrorists in Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 50 lives, the Senate has reached a resolution urging the leaders of the National Assembly to urgently meet with President Bola Tinubu to find lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.

The Senate also called upon the Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies to swiftly deploy personnel to address the ongoing attacks by armed terrorists posing as herdsmen in communities within Kwande, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Lawmakers emphasized the importance of flushing out the terrorists and restoring normalcy to the affected communities. They also stressed the need for investment in surveillance technology and equipment to detect and prevent future attacks.

The proposed meeting with President Tinubu aims to inform him about the reports from security summits held during the 8th and 9th Assemblies, as well as the significant resolutions reached in the Senate’s recent engagements with the security chiefs.

The resolution came about following a motion presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East) under matters of urgent public importance. Senator Udende expressed deep concern over the fresh attacks on Benue communities, which claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals. He highlighted the distressing situation faced by residents who are being targeted daily by heavily armed terrorist herdsmen, with reports of brutal killings, widespread destruction of homes, and numerous people missing.

Senator Udende emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritise the security and safety of lives and properties, as mandated by Section 14 (2) b of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He lamented the negative impact of the attacks on the economic lives of the people, leading to scarcity of agricultural produce and a surge in food prices and inflation.

In their contributions, other senators echoed the need for political or cultural solutions to address the security problem. They expressed disappointment over the lack of visible action by the government despite previous resolutions and budgetary allocations for security. There were calls for more effective oversight by relevant Senate committees and a return to strengthening local communities to address the issues at hand.

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who now chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, advised the Senate leadership to meet with President Tinubu. He emphasized the importance of efficient service delivery by the security agencies, considering the substantial budgetary allocations they receive.

In addition to seeking a review of the security architecture in the affected areas, the Senate also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to promptly provide relief materials to those displaced by the attacks in Kwande, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State.