Senate Tasks Security Agencies On Arms Proliferation

In response to the ongoing violence and killings in the Logo local government area of Benue State, attributed to suspected herdsmen, the Senate has mandated security forces to urgently address the spread of firearms across Nigeria.

Additionally, the Senate has instructed the Ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, the Budget Office, and the Police Force to allocate sufficient funds in the 2025 budget for the establishment of a mobile police barrack in Ayilamo, which would enhance security in the region.

The Senate also recommended the establishment of ranches in each local government across the country to help regulate cattle movement.

This directive followed an urgent motion by Senator Emmanuel Udende regarding the ongoing violence in communities such as Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, and Azege within the Logo local government area of the Benue North East Senatorial District.

Senator Udende, referencing sections 41 and 51 of the Senate’s standing orders, highlighted a tragic incident on December 1, 2024, when 18 individuals were killed by armed herdsmen while heading to church in Azege.

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The motion emphasised that these attacks, reportedly carried out by armed herdsmen, have persisted, threatening the security, peace, and socio-economic stability of the affected communities. It noted that nearly fifty people have lost their lives between October 22, 2024, and the present, with specific casualties reported in Ayilamo, Anyiin, and Uzer.

Senator Udende argued that the ongoing insecurity contravenes the constitutional mandate under section 14(2)(b) of the amended 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people should be the government’s primary purpose.

He expressed concern that the lack of timely intervention by security agencies has emboldened attackers to commit further atrocities.

Senator Titus Zam referred to the killings as a recurring tragedy that has inflicted severe suffering on the state’s innocent residents, urging decisive government action.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim added that Nigeria risks being overwhelmed by food insecurity and violence if these issues persist, calling on security forces to respond swiftly.

Senator Aliyu Wadada lamented that while other nations advance technologically, Nigeria is plagued by violence, expressing frustration over the lack of effective solutions and emphasising the need for a more humane approach.

During the debate, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing killings, suggesting that the pattern of attacks requires deeper scrutiny to understand their complexities.

Senators Sunday Karimi and Victor Umeh attributed the violence to the authorities’ failure to regulate open grazing, with Senator Umeh recalling the murder of a Catholic priest and worshippers during a service in Benue.

In condemning these heinous acts, the Senate directed the chief of defence staff, the inspector general of police, and the Department of State Services director-general to deploy additional security personnel and resources to the affected areas to restore peace.

Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Agency was instructed to provide immediate relief supplies and assistance to those displaced by the violence in these communities.