Senate decries Benue killings, demands swift action from security agencies

DDM News

The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over renewed violence in Benue State.

Lawmakers blamed the killings on the failure of security agencies, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.

They warned that inaction has fostered impunity among criminals in the region.

The Senate raised this concern during plenary on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South, raised the motion under matters of urgent national importance.

He highlighted recent deadly attacks in the Apa Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, herdsmen attacked Akpete and Ojantelle communities on May 1 and May 7, 2025.

The attacks claimed the lives of at least 13 residents.

Victims were reportedly killed while going about their daily routines.

Senator Moro described the violence as part of a series of recurring attacks in his constituency.

He lamented that homes and properties were also destroyed during the attacks.

Moro added that the communities now live in constant fear of future violence.

He expressed frustration over the absence of any arrests or prosecutions so far.

“No single person has been apprehended,” he stated during the plenary session.

The Senate unanimously condemned the attacks and called for immediate action.

Lawmakers urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to launch a thorough investigation.

They stressed the importance of arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the violence.

The Senate noted that justice must be served to deter future attacks.

Lawmakers called for improved intelligence and surveillance infrastructure across vulnerable parts of Benue.

They urged the federal government to deploy modern surveillance tools to affected communities.

Such tools, they argued, would help detect and prevent future threats.

Additionally, the Senate asked security agencies to strengthen their operational strategies.

They want quicker and more effective responses to emerging threats in rural areas.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also given an urgent directive.

NEMA is to provide immediate relief materials to displaced residents in Akpete and Ojantelle.

Senators emphasized the need to support victims who lost homes and livelihoods.

The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives of all Nigerian citizens.

Lawmakers called on the executive to treat the Benue killings as a national emergency.

They insisted that collective action is required to restore peace and security in the region.

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