By George Mgbeleke <\/p>\n
In a bid to end incessant killings in Benue and other parts of the country,the Senate on Thursday urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande, Benue State, to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to return safely.<\/p>\n
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Sen. Emmanuel Udende (Benue Northeast) over escalating terrorist attacks across Kwande communities.<\/p>\n
Udende said recent coordinated assaults by armed attackers in Kwande Local Government Area left more than 20 residents dead and forced many families to flee.<\/p>\n
He explained that the attackers targeted villages and local markets, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and fear among residents struggling to rebuild their shattered communities.<\/p>\n
The senator recalled that on February 5, 2026, assailants invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying homes and properties.<\/p>\n
He added that nearly 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several residents remain missing as communities continue searching for their loved ones.<\/p>\n
Udende said that while victims were still mourning, another wave of deadly attacks occurred across parts of Kwande in March 2026, worsening the humanitarian crisis.<\/p>\n
According to him, on March 10, 2026, gunmen again invaded communities, killing about eleven people and spreading panic among already traumatised residents.<\/p>\n
He also noted that another attack on March 5 in the Bachor community resulted in additional deaths and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral bodies recovered from the attacks remain unidentified, while about twenty-five persons are still missing,\u201d Udende told lawmakers during plenary.<\/p>\n
He warned that intimidation and arrests of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies.<\/p>\n
Udende said poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure, and absence of permanent security formations have continued to hinder rapid response to distress calls.<\/p>\n
\u201cImproved security presence and communication facilities will significantly enhance response time and protect lives in these vulnerable rural communities,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
Seconding the motion, Sen. Osita Izunaso warned that the security crisis in Benue had become a national emergency requiring urgent government intervention.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is unacceptable that a senator could be attacked even while worshipping in church,\u201d Izunaso said<\/p>\n
He described the proposed military base as a proactive step toward preventing further attacks and safeguarding lives ahead of upcoming political activities.<\/p>\n
Also contributing, Sen. Ahmed Lawan said the recurring discussions on attacks and kidnappings showed Nigeria must rethink its overall security strategy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur armed forces are not magicians. They can not defeat these criminals without adequate weapons, logistics, and timely release of operational resources,” Lawan said <\/p>\n
He urged the National Assembly and government agencies to ensure security forces receive sufficient funding, equipment, and operational support to protect citizens.<\/p>\n
The Senate thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in attacks across Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and other affected communities.<\/p>\n
Lawmakers also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, coordinated patrols and operations across the troubled communities to prevent further attacks.<\/p>\n
The Senate further called on the federal government to establish a military base at the Ikyurav-Ya-Ukusu axis to ensure sustained security presence.<\/p>\n
The lawmakers said the measure would enable displaced residents from affected communities in the Kwande Local government to return to their ancestral homes.<\/p>\n
The Senate also urged telecommunications companies to install communication masts in affected areas to enable residents to make timely distress calls during emergencies.<\/p>\n
In addition, lawmakers asked the NEMA to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected families across Kwande and other affected Benue local governments areas<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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