Northern Senators Back Army Expansion, Condemn Benue, Kaduna Killings

The Northern Senators Forum on Wednesday condemned the recent killings in Benue and Kaduna states, describing the attacks as tragic and calling for intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The forum also backed the Federal Government’s latest security measures, including the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army and the recruitment of additional personnel, saying the move would strengthen the country’s response to growing security threats.

The position was contained in a condolence message issued in Abuja by the forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.

The statement followed separate attacks in the two states that claimed dozens of lives and displaced several families.

In Benue State, gunmen reportedly attacked Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, in the early hours of Tuesday, killing 13 people and injuring several others. Security agencies were subsequently deployed to the area to restore order.

Earlier on Sunday, suspected attackers invaded Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing about 30 people, including women and children, while several homes were razed.

Expressing sympathy with the governments and people of the affected states, Yar’Adua said the forum stood in solidarity with families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

He said, “The Forum welcomes the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening national security.”

The forum recalled that President Bola Tinubu had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel.

According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at decentralising military command, strengthening border security and improving response times to emerging security threats across the country.

“We note that this expansion is a timely step that provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country, while helping to restore public confidence,” the statement read.

However, Yar’Adua stressed that the planned expansion must be backed by adequate equipment, logistics and improved welfare for military personnel to ensure the new formations operate effectively.

The senators also called on residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence that could help prevent further attacks.

They further urged the Federal Government to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings, while providing adequate relief and support for victims and internally displaced persons.

“The Forum reiterates that lasting peace can only be achieved through coordinated security action, improved intelligence and sustained investment in the nation’s security architecture,” the statement added.

The latest attacks have heightened security concerns across parts of northern and central Nigeria, where communities continue to face recurring assaults by armed groups despite ongoing military operations.

The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen the country’s security architecture through increased troop deployment, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.