The Senate has asked Security chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies to urgently deploy security personnel to address the continuing attacks by armed terrorists parading as herdsmen in five communities in Benue State.
This was the outcome of a motion of urgent importance raised by Senator Emmanuel Udende on the killing of over 50 people by terrorists in five Benue State communities of Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of the state.
“The residents of the villages and communities now find themselves targeted on a daily basis by heavily armed terrorist herdsmen, and the toll continues to be staggering as they bear the brunt, with reports of marauders butchering several villagers, leaving many homes completely burnt down and numerous residents still missing while the perpetrators, however, remain elusive and have not been apprehended.
“This pathetic situation and development has inflicted untold hardship on women, children and the elderly, who are trekking long distances in search of a safe haven and awaiting the intervention of security operatives.”
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio echoed the resolution of the National Assembly to meet with President Bola Tinubu over the security challenges in the country.
But Chief Whip, Ali Ndume restated some of the needs of Army personnel – retraining, motivation, improved welfare, better equipment among others.
Benue has been fraught with several attacks with the Ukum Local Government Chairman, Gideon Haanongon, and the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, kidnapped in the last three months.
