Senate urges security agencies to tackle arms proliferation amid rising Benue killings

The Senate has called for an immediate nationwide mop-up of light arms and small weapons to curb the escalating violence caused by armed groups, particularly in Benue State.This resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende during Tuesday’s plenary.
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December 4, 2024

Senate urges security agencies to tackle arms proliferation amid rising Benue killings

The Senate has called for an immediate nationwide mop-up of light arms and small weapons to curb the escalating violence caused by armed groups, particularly in Benue State.

This resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende during Tuesday’s plenary.

Senator Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, raised the alarm over ongoing killings in communities such as Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, and Azege in Logo Local Government Area.

He recounted a recent attack on December 1, 2024, where suspected armed herdsmen killed 18 people en route to a church service in Azege, Tombo Council Ward. Between October 22 and early December, nearly 50 people have been killed in the area, with 15 victims in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin, and 6 in Uzer.

The motion highlighted that the continuous insecurity in the region violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the government to prioritize the security and welfare of its citizens. Senator Udende criticized the slow response of security agencies, which, he said, has emboldened attackers to carry out further violence.

Senators across party lines condemned the killings and urged immediate action: Senator Titus Zam described the violence as a “recurring decimal” that has caused immense suffering in Benue.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim warned that unchecked violence could lead to food insecurity and jeopardize lives and property nationwide.

Senator Aliyu Wadada lamented that while other nations focus on technological advancement, Nigeria is plagued by senseless bloodshed. He called for a united, Godly approach to address the crisis.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro demanded a thorough investigation, suggesting the attacks could have underlying causes beyond what is immediately apparent.

Several senators linked the violence to unresolved issues with open grazing. Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Sunday Karimi reiterated the need for enforcing anti-open grazing laws and establishing ranches in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria. Senator Umeh referenced the tragic murder of a Catholic priest and worshippers during a church service in Benue as a grim reminder of the need for decisive action.

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The Senate resolved to: Deploy Security Personnel: Instruct the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to deploy additional security forces and resources to the affected areas.

Support Displaced Persons: Direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to those displaced by the violence.

Budgetary Allocations for Security: Ensure the inclusion of funds in the 2025 budget for the construction of a mobile police barracks in Ayilamo to strengthen security in the area.

Establish Ranches: Expedite the establishment of ranches to restrict cattle movements and reduce tensions between farmers and herders.

The Senate’s deliberations underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive response to restore peace, protect lives, and rebuild affected communities in Benue State and across the nation.

Source :Vanguard