By AbdulGaneey Balogun
The Senate on Thursday urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in communities within Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to curb escalating attacks by armed groups and enable displaced residents to safely return to their homes.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North-East), who raised concerns over the increasing wave of violence and its devastating impact on communities in the area.
Udende said recent coordinated attacks by armed assailants had left more than 20 residents dead and forced many families to flee their homes. He noted that the attackers targeted villages and local markets, leaving widespread destruction, displacement and fear among residents struggling to rebuild their lives.
The lawmaker recalled that on February 5, 2026, gunmen invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others and destroying homes and properties.
According to him, nearly 50 people were reportedly killed during the February attacks, while several others remain missing as communities continue searching for their loved ones.
Udende further stated that while residents were still mourning their losses, another wave of deadly attacks occurred across parts of Kwande in March 2026, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the area.
He said that on March 10, 2026, gunmen again invaded communities, killing about eleven people and spreading panic among already traumatised residents.
The senator also reported that another attack on March 5 in Bachor community resulted in additional deaths and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
“Several bodies recovered from the attacks remain unidentified, while about 25 persons are still missing,” Udende said.
He warned that intimidation and arrests of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies.
The lawmaker also lamented that poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations have continued to hinder rapid response to distress calls.
“Improved security presence and communication facilities will significantly enhance response time and protect lives in these vulnerable rural communities,” he said.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) described the security situation in Benue as a national emergency requiring urgent government intervention.
He said it was unacceptable that a serving senator could be attacked even while worshipping in church, stressing the need for decisive action to prevent further violence.
Izunaso added that establishing a military base in the affected communities would serve as a proactive step toward preventing further attacks and safeguarding lives, especially ahead of future political activities.
Also speaking, Senator Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) said the recurring reports of attacks and kidnappings across the country underscored the need for Nigeria to rethink its overall security strategy.
“Our Armed Forces are not magicians. They cannot defeat these criminals without adequate weapons, logistics and timely release of operational resources,” Lawan said.
He urged the National Assembly and relevant government agencies to ensure that security forces are adequately funded, equipped and supported to effectively protect citizens.
Following deliberations, the Senate observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in attacks across Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and other affected communities.
The chamber subsequently called on the Federal Government to establish a military base at the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu axis to ensure sustained security presence in the area.
It also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, coordinated patrols and operations across the troubled communities to prevent further attacks and restore normalcy.
The Senate further called on telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the affected areas to enable residents make timely distress calls during emergencies.
In addition, lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the attacks.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.