The Senate on Wednesday urged immediate and strengthened security intervention following renewed deadly attacks in Benue State, calling on national security chiefs to intensify coordinated operations aimed at tracking down and arresting those behind the violence.
Lawmakers specifically directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to step up joint security efforts to curb the escalating attacks in affected communities.
The upper legislative chamber also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional military and paramilitary personnel to Apa Local Government Area and surrounding communities in order to restore order and protect residents.
The resolutions came after a motion raised by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, who drew attention to the killings recorded on April 12, 2026, in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa LGA.
The incident was reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, leaving several people dead.
Senators noted that the attack reflected a troubling cycle of violence repeatedly affecting rural communities across Benue State, leading to deaths, displacement of families, and widespread destruction of property.
The lawmakers further expressed worry that the continuing insecurity in Apa and other parts of the state has severely disrupted farming activities, deepened fear among residents, and raised concerns over food production and regional food security.
They questioned whether current security arrangements were sufficient, stressing the government’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property in all parts of the country.
To address the situation, the Senate mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to conduct a detailed investigation into the recurring attacks in Benue South and other affected areas, with the aim of proposing lasting solutions.
The chamber also called for a broader federal strategy to resolve long-standing farmer–herder conflicts, recommending ranching systems, land use reforms, and stronger community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
In addition, lawmakers approved measures calling for the establishment of a Police Area Command and a permanent military base in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas.
They also advocated increased funding for security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and rapid response capabilities in vulnerable communities.
While commending ongoing efforts by security forces, the Senate emphasized the need for a more proactive, intelligence-led, and community-focused security framework across the country.
However, the Senate President declined to allow a vote on a proposal urging the Benue State Governor to assume greater responsibility in safeguarding lives and property within the state.
The session ended with lawmakers observing a minute of silence in honour of victims of the Ankpali-Edikwu attack.
