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Senate Orders Completion of Mobile Police Barracks in Benue to Address Security Concerns

Published by Zugu Thaddeus on December 6th, 2024.

Senate Orders Completion of Mobile Police Barracks in Benue to Address Security Concerns

Sen. Titus Zam

In response to the persistent attacks and killings in the Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, the Senate has instructed the ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, the Budget Office, and the Nigerian Police Force to prioritize funding for the completion of the Mobile Police Barracks located in Mahange, Tombo, and Gambe-Tiev in Logo LGA in the 2025 national budget. This move aims to enhance security in the region.

Sen. Emmanuel Udende

Additionally, the Senate recommended the establishment of ranches in each LGA across the country to help control the movement of cattle and reduce conflicts.

This directive followed a motion presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende of Benue North East, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes. The motion highlighted the ongoing killings in Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, Azege, and other communities within Logo LGA, which have raised national security concerns.

Senator Udende, speaking under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate’s standing rules, informed the Senate that on December 1, 2024, 18 individuals were killed by suspected armed herders while on their way to church in Azege, a village in the Tombo council ward of Logo LGA.

The motion stated that these attacks, allegedly carried out by armed herders, have continued unabated, undermining the security and stability of the affected communities. According to the motion, between October 22, 2024, and the present day, nearly 50 people have been killed in the region, with 15 fatalities in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin, and 6 in Uzer.

Senator Udende emphasized that the ongoing insecurity in these areas violates Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that the security and welfare of citizens should be the primary responsibility of the government.

He argued that the lack of timely and effective intervention by security agencies has emboldened attackers to continue their violent activities.

Senator Titus Zam referred to the killings as a recurring tragedy that has caused immense suffering to the innocent people of Benue, urging the government to take immediate action. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim expressed concern that Nigeria’s security challenges, including food insecurity and threats to lives and property, could overwhelm the country if not addressed promptly, urging security forces to act decisively.

Senator Aliyu Wadada lamented that while other nations are advancing technologically, Nigeria is plagued by senseless violence, calling for a shift toward peaceful and Godly behavior.

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also weighed in, urging an in-depth investigation into the recent killings, emphasizing the need to understand the root cause of the violence. He noted that when attackers can kill and disappear without consequence, it calls for serious concern.

Senators Sunday Karimi and Victor Umeh both attributed the violence to the failure of authorities to effectively address open grazing, further highlighting its role in exacerbating the conflict.

In a bid to restore peace and order, the Senate condemned the killings and called on the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to deploy additional security personnel and resources to the affected areas.

Jerry Orgem Iorngaem
SA Media and Publicity to Senator Emmanuel Udende