Jane Salihu
The Senate on Wednesday issued a strong directive to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security chiefs to immediately track down and prosecute those responsible for the recent wave of deadly attacks in Benue State, describing the killings as barbaric and unacceptable.
The resolution followed the adoption of an urgent motion sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), who raised alarm over the continuous attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, warning that residents may be left with no option but to defend themselves if the killings persist.
Presenting the motion, Senator Moro recounted the recent attacks on Akpauchi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo-Ugboju communities, which claimed at least 20 lives within days and displaced several residents.
He said the latest assault on Ondo-Ugboju on July 14 threw the entire local government area into panic, forcing many families to flee their homes while leaving others injured and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
According to him, the repeated attacks appear to be a deliberate attempt to wipe out entire communities, warning that continued insecurity would not only lead to a complete breakdown of law and order but also trigger a food crisis as farmers abandon their farmlands.
“The situation has become unbearable. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the affected communities may be compelled to resort to self-defence,” Moro cautioned.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously condemned the killings and destruction of communities, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
The upper chamber also directed the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to strengthen security operations across the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
In addition, the Senate called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to immediately provide food, medical supplies, shelter and other relief materials to displaced persons and victims receiving treatment.
To ensure compliance, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage with security chiefs, assess ongoing operations in Benue South and monitor the implementation of its resolutions.
Lawmakers stressed that restoring peace and bringing those behind the attacks to justice must remain an urgent national priority to prevent further loss of lives and property.
