Senate Declares: “The Time to Act is Now” as Killings Persist
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate expressed deep frustration over the ongoing wave of brutal attacks and senseless killings, particularly in Benue State, declaring that the moment for decisive action has come.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu conveyed the chamber’s anguish, stating: “We are done mourning. We are done with condolence visits. It’s time to act. Security solutions must involve local communities.”
Referring to the tragic killings in Benue, Adaramodu described the events as heartbreaking and extended the Senate’s condolences to those affected. A delegation of senators, he said, would accompany President Bola Tinubu on a visit to the state to assess the situation first-hand.
Adaramodu emphasized the need for unity and collaboration in tackling the worsening security challenges. “We’re planning a national security summit that goes beyond the military. It will bring together civil society, the media, youth, women, and traditional leaders because this issue concerns us all,” he said.
He stressed that effective security must be rooted in local engagement: “Locals must be part of the solution. We cannot continue to move from one state to another offering condolences without real change.”
To support the security sector, Adaramodu noted that the National Assembly has approved substantial funding for the military and relevant agencies. He insisted that the cooperation of traditional institutions and community leaders would be key in restoring peace.
The spokesman also revealed that senators would join the President on a visit to Benue on Wednesday. Tinubu, originally scheduled to visit Kaduna, diverted his plans to prioritize the unfolding crisis in Benue, where recent attacks reportedly claimed over 200 lives on June 12, with entire settlements destroyed.
Adaramodu concluded by stating that the forthcoming security summit will go beyond rhetoric. “This won’t be another talk shop. We are determined to dig deep, understand the true causes of these killings, and find real, lasting solutions,” he affirmed.
