Senate orders heavy security deployment to Benue as Abba Moro raises alarm over fresh Otukpo killings

By Johnson Arua

The Senate on Wednesday called for the immediate deployment of reinforced security personnel to troubled communities in Benue South following renewed attacks by suspected armed bandits that have claimed at least 20 lives in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Comrade Abba Moro, titled: "Motion on the Urgent Need to Stop the Gruesome Murder of Inhabitants of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, and the Fresh Attacks on Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by Suspected Bandits."

The attacks, which occurred between Friday and Tuesday, targeted Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities, leaving at least 20 people dead, several others injured, thousands displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Moving the motion, Senator Moro lamented what he described as sustained attacks on defenseless communities, stressing that government must fulfill its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

According to the motion, "the weekend assaults resulted in the tragic and gruesome murder of innocent, defenseless citizens, with a confirmed death toll of two lives in Akpachi-Ugboju, sixteen in Otukpo-Nobi, while a fresh attack on Ondo Ugboju claimed two more lives."

The lawmaker warned that the persistent attacks suggested "a deliberate attempt to decimate these communities," adding that without urgent security intervention, the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and worsen the food crisis as farmers continue to abandon their farmlands.

The Senate consequently condemned the killings and destruction of property in the strongest terms and urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies to immediately deploy a heavy security presence to the affected communities and adjoining areas to prevent further attacks.

The upper legislative chamber also directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are prosecuted. It further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide food, medical supplies and shelter to displaced victims and those receiving treatment.

Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathized with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South, saying Nigerians deserved to live without fear.

"Nigerians deserve the right to sleep in their houses with their eyes closed and go about their lawful activities without fear," Akpabio said, expressing confidence that the Senate's resolutions would help prevent further attacks in the affected communities and across the country.

The Senate thereafter observed a minute's silence in honour of the victims who lost their lives in the attacks on the Benue communities.