The Senate has called for an urgent overhaul of security operations in Benue State following reports that 113 people were killed in four separate attacks on communities, demanding immediate measures to prevent further bloodshed.
Gatekeepers News reports that the lawmakers also expressed concern over the reported killing of six Mobile Police personnel in one of the attacks, questioning the safety of civilians in communities increasingly exposed to armed violence.
The matter was raised in a motion sponsored by Emmanuel Udende, senator representing Benue North-East and chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes.
Udende said 24 people were killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, while another 63 people reportedly died in assaults on Bom and Aboajio villages in Ukum Local Government Area.
He added that 15 people, including six Mobile Police officers, were killed in another attack on Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area.
According to the senator, 11 more people were killed on October 8, 2026, when attackers invaded Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako villages in Ukum, destroying property in the process.
Urging immediate government intervention, Udende warned that the recurring attacks had destroyed livelihoods, disrupted farming and other economic activities, and heightened the risk of displacement among residents.
He called for the deployment of military personnel to affected communities in his constituency, saying a stronger security presence would help protect residents and restore public confidence.
Supporting the motion, Senator Jide Ipinshagba questioned the safety of unarmed civilians following the reported killing of security personnel.
He said the deaths of officers tasked with protecting communities raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of ordinary residents who depend on the police and military for security.
Senate Calls for Stronger Security Operations
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to stop further attacks in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas, as well as other vulnerable communities across Benue State.
The lawmakers called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and relevant security and intelligence chiefs to strengthen operations in the affected areas.
They also demanded the deployment of adequate personnel and operational resources, improved intelligence gathering and effective early-warning systems to identify threats before attacks occur.
The Senate further called for rapid-response mechanisms, thorough investigations into the killings and the prosecution of anyone found responsible.
The lawmakers stressed that security agencies must prioritise preventive measures rather than responding only after communities have suffered casualties.
Senate Seeks Relief for Victims
The Senate also expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the attacks, including destroyed homes, lost livelihoods and the displacement of residents.
It urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to affected communities.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to collaborate with relevant agencies to identify measures for strengthening security operations and improving personnel deployment.
The Senate said urgent action was necessary to protect vulnerable communities, restore stability and prevent further loss of lives in the state.
