ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to safely return to their communities following a surge in deadly attacks.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East), who detailed a harrowing series of coordinated assaults that have left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
Presenting the motion, Udende recalled that on February 5, 2026, gunmen invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying homes and properties. According to him, nearly 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several residents remain missing.
The senator noted that another wave of attacks occurred in March, worsening the humanitarian situation. On March 10, gunmen reportedly killed about 11 people in fresh assaults, while an earlier attack on March 5 in Bachor community also led to casualties and destruction of property.
Udende warned that poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure, and the absence of permanent security formations continue to hinder rapid response to distress calls in affected rural communities.
Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the security crisis in Benue as a “national emergency” requiring urgent government intervention.
Senator Ahmed Lawan stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security framework, noting that security agencies require adequate funding, equipment, and logistical support.
Key resolutions adopted by the Senate include:
Permanent Security Presence: Establishment of a military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu axis to ensure sustained security presence
Infrastructure Support: Appeal to telecommunications providers to install communication masts in affected areas to enable timely distress calls
Humanitarian Intervention: Directive to NEMA to provide urgent relief materials to affected families across Kwande and broader Benue State
Enhanced Operations: Call for intensified surveillance and coordinated patrols to prevent further incursions
The Senate observed a minute of silence to honour victims from the Abande, Awu, Asinuba, and Awapacho communities.
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