The Senate has urged an immediate nationwide collection of light arms and small weapons to address escalating violence by armed groups, particularly in Benue State. This call to action followed an urgent motion presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende during Tuesday’s plenary session. Representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Senator Udende highlighted the ongoing killings in communities such as Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, and Azege in the Logo Local Government Area.
He described a December 1, 2024, attack where suspected armed herdsmen killed 18 people on their way to a church service in Azege, Tombo Council Ward. Between late October and early December, nearly 50 individuals were killed in the area, with 15 fatalities reported in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin, and six in Uzer.
Senator Udende emphasized that the persistent insecurity in the region violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the government to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. He criticized the delayed response of security agencies, arguing that it emboldens attackers to commit further atrocities.
Senators across party lines denounced the violence. Senator Titus Zam labeled the crisis a “recurring decimal,” underscoring the immense suffering inflicted on Benue residents. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim cautioned that unchecked violence could lead to food insecurity and broader national instability. Senator Aliyu Wadada lamented Nigeria’s focus on bloodshed while other nations advance technologically, calling for a unified, morally-driven approach to resolve the crisis.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro urged a deeper investigation, suggesting that the attacks might have underlying causes requiring attention. Several senators linked the violence to unresolved tensions related to open grazing. Senators Victor Umeh and Sunday Karimi reiterated the importance of enforcing anti-open grazing laws and establishing ranches across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Senator Umeh cited the tragic murder of a Catholic priest and worshippers during a church service in Benue as a somber reminder of the urgency for decisive action.
The Senate passed several resolutions, including:
- Deploying Additional Security Personnel: The Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Director-General of the Department of State Services were instructed to bolster security forces in affected areas.
- Providing Support for Displaced Persons: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was directed to distribute relief materials to those displaced by the violence.
- Budgetary Allocations for Security: The Senate recommended including funds in the 2025 budget to construct a mobile police barracks in Ayilamo, enhancing local security.
- Establishing Ranches Nationwide: Accelerating the development of ranches was emphasized to reduce tensions between farmers and herders and limit cattle movement.
These deliberations highlight the Senate’s recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach to restore peace, protect lives, and rebuild affected communities in Benue and other violence-stricken regions across Nigeria.