The Senate has announced its intention to engage in discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding the escalating security concerns in Benue State and across Nigeria.
This decision comes in response to a recent clash involving militias in Benue State, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives on Tuesday.
The Senate’s resolution was prompted by a motion titled “Motion On the Continuing Killings by Suspected Terrorists Parading as Herdsmen and Increasing Insecurity in Kwande, Ukum, Logo And Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas in the Benue North-East Senatorial District Of Benue State.” Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East, tabled the motion under “Matters of Urgent Public Importance Pursuant To Orders 41 And 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).”
During the debate, Senator Udende revealed that over 50 residents of the Logo and Katsina-Ala area were killed by individuals disguising themselves as herders and instigating chaos within the communities. The clash in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State claimed the lives of over 30 individuals, including a family of seven. The violence was reportedly instigated by rival militias led by two notorious figures known as ‘Full Fire’ and ‘Chain.’
One of the militia leaders allegedly enlisted the assistance of external bandits, who invaded the Gbagir community in the Ukum LGA to confront another rival gang leader. The majority of the casualties were members of the rival militias, but unfortunately, approximately 12 innocent farmers were caught in the crossfire. The incident also left over 30 individuals injured, while several others have been reported missing.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a local traditional ruler disclosed that the conflict began when a Tiv militia leader from Ukum kidnapped a Fulani militia leader named Alhaji Gana, along with his family members. Despite receiving a ransom of N5 million, the Tiv militia leader proceeded to kill the hostages. This act of violence angered the Fulani militia gang in Taraba State, prompting a militia leader from Ukum to join forces with them and eliminate the rival gang responsible for Gana’s death.
The Member representing Ukum State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Nyiyongo Ezra, confirmed that approximately 20 people were killed in the incident. The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, also verified that 30 lives were lost during the clash.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, stated that five bodies have been recovered thus far, with search operations ongoing to locate missing individuals.
Expressing concern over the relentless attacks on communities in Kwande, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, the Senator representing Benue North-East lamented the loss of over 50 lives due to terrorist activities disguised as herding. These communities, including Tyuluv, Borikyo, Kundav, Ugbaam, Uyam, Udedeku, Yaaiwa, Nyihemba, Tomatar, Menakwagh, Yiase, and Agura, continue to face the incessant violence perpetrated by heavily armed terrorist-herdsmen. Reports indicate that numerous villagers have been brutally murdered, homes set ablaze, and many residents are still missing. The perpetrators have yet to be apprehended.
In response to the crisis, the Senate leadership has resolved to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to present the resolutions on the motion, aimed at ending the ongoing killings of farmers by armed herdsmen not only in Benue North-East but also across Nigeria. The Senate delegation will also extend condolences to the people of Benue North-East Senatorial District and meet with the Governor of Benue State to assess the current efforts and challenges faced.
Additionally, the Senate has called for the urgent deployment of security personnel, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies, to address the attacks by armed terrorists posing as herdsmen in Kwande, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas. The objective is to eliminate the armed herdsmen, halt the killings, and restore normalcy to the affected communities. The Senate has also emphasized the need to strengthen surveillance and invest in surveillance technology and equipment to prevent future attacks. A review of the security architecture in the region is also proposed to mitigate further incidents.