Following endless killings in Logo LGA of Benue State by suspected herdsmen, the Senate has directed security operatives to swiftly curb the proliferation of arms across the country.
The Senate further directed the ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, the Budget Office and the Police Force to ensure adequate funding in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Mobile Police Barracks at Ayilamo in Logo LGA to guarantee additional security.
The upper chamber equally suggested the setting up of ranches in each of the local governments across Nigeria with the view to restrict cattle movements.
This came on the heels of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende on the continuing killings in Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, Azege and other communities in Logo LGA of Benue State.
Udende, who came under Order 41 and 51 of the standing orders of the Senate, said, “On the first day of December, 2024 at Azege in Tombo council Ward of Logo local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen.
“These attacks allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen, have continued unabated, undermining security ,peace and the socio-economic stability of the affected communities.
“Between 22nd October 2024 and today, nearly fifty people have been killed, with 15 killed in Ayilamo , 25 in Anyiin and 6 in Uzer community respectively.
“The continuous insecurity in these areas is in direct contravention of the constitutional provision under section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Udende argued that lack of adequate and timely intervention by security agencies has emboldened the attackers to carry out further heinous attacks.
In his contribution, Senator Titus Zam described the killings as a recurring decimal that has wrecked massive havoc on innocent people of the state and urged the government to act decisively.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim who also contributed to the debate, expressed concerns that Nigeria is at risk of being overwhelmed if it continues to experience food insecurity and insecurity of lives and properties and advised the security operatives to rise to the challenge as quickly as possible.
For Senator Aliyu Wadada, the paradox remains that while other nations are working towards technological advancement, “we are killing ourselves, shedding blood as if we are killing mosquitoes”.
“And the sad thing is that all efforts are not working, we are a religious people and we must act in a Godly manner.”
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro told his colleagues during the debate that the current killings in Benue and across the country should be investigated. “When people come, kill and go away, it calls for concerns and I think it should be properly investigated.
“We need to understand what is happening. We must get to the root of this matter because I don’t think it is as simple as we see it.”
Senators Sunday Karimi and Victor Umeh both blamed the killings of the inability of authorities to stop open grazing. Umeh recalled how a Catholic priest and worshippers were murdered during worship service in Benue State.
While condemning the killings, the Senate further directed the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to immediately deploy additional security personnel and resources to the affected areas to restore peace and order.
The National Emergency Management Agency was also directed to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to displaced persons in the affected communities.
Benue killings: Senate calls for establishment of barracks in affected areas
