By Steven Atokolo
The Senate has called for immediate reinforcement of security in communities affected by a wave of attacks by suspected bandits in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The call followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who raised concerns over the recent assaults on Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities.
According to Moro, the attacks, which occurred between last Friday, Sunday and Tuesday, claimed the lives of 20 people. He said two victims were killed in Akpachi-Ugboju, 16 in Otukpo-Nobi and another two in the latest attack on Ondo Ugboju.
He further stated that several residents suffered varying degrees of injuries, while homes, farmlands and other valuable property were destroyed. The violence, he noted, has also forced many residents to flee their communities.
The lawmaker warned that the recurring attacks have heightened fear among residents, triggered mass displacement and worsened the humanitarian situation in the affected areas. He cautioned that unless urgent security measures are implemented, the crisis could escalate into a breakdown of law and order and lead to food shortages as farmers are unable to cultivate their lands.
Following the motion, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of those killed and strongly condemned the killings and destruction of property.
The red chamber also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant security agencies to deploy additional personnel to the affected communities, conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
In addition, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide relief materials for displaced residents and assistance to those injured during the attacks.
The Senate also mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to liaise with the relevant security agencies and monitor the implementation of its resolutions.
