The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to take immediate steps to curb the escalating insecurity in Benue State, urging the establishment of a military base in the Benue North West Senatorial District to prevent further attacks by herdsmen.
This resolution followed a motion presented by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-East, after a recent attack claimed four lives and resulted in the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
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In addition to the call for a military base, the Senate requested the deployment of troops to the affected communities to restore peace. Lawmakers also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to victims of the attacks.
The Senate further urged the Benue State Government to enforce its open grazing and ranching laws as a measure to prevent future clashes. However, Minority Leader Abba Moro voiced concern over what he described as the silence and inaction of Governor Hyacinth Alia regarding the crisis.
To ensure a comprehensive response, the Senate mandated its committees on National Security, Police, Navy, Air Force, Defence, and Army to conduct a joint assessment tour of the affected communities. The committees are expected to sympathize with victims and report their findings to the chamber in due course.