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Nigerian Senate Urges Security Deployment to Benue After Deadly Bandit Attacks
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Nigerian Senate Urges Security Deployment to Benue After Deadly Bandit Attacks

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Senate has urged security chiefs to deploy troops to Benue communities following recent attacks that reportedly killed at least 20 people.
  • It also mandated the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the killings and bring perpetrators to justice.
  • Senators expressed concern over the attacks, highlighting the constitutional responsibility for government to ensure security and welfare.

The Nigerian Senate has called for the urgent deployment of security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju, and surrounding communities in Benue State. This action is in response to renewed assaults by suspected bandits, which have reportedly claimed at least 20 lives and caused widespread displacement.

The Senate notes with utter dismay and heavy heart the horrific and unprovoked attacks on the peaceful agrarian communities of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, by suspected armed bandits between Friday, Sunday of last week and Tuesday this week.

— Senator Abba MoroPresenting the motion on the urgent need to stop the gruesome murder of inhabitants in Benue State.

The Senate also directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks, track down the perpetrators, and ensure they are brought to justice. The upper chamber condemned the killings and destruction of property, describing them as unprovoked. The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who expressed deep concern over the coordinated attacks.

Senator Moro highlighted that the weekend assaults resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives, with a confirmed death toll of 18 from initial reports in Akpachi-Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi. He emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government, as enshrined in Nigeria's constitution, is the security and welfare of its citizens. The Senate observed a minute's silence in honor of the victims.

The primary responsibility of any government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is the security and welfare of its citizens.

— Senator Abba MoroHighlighting the constitutional duty of the government in response to the attacks.

Furthermore, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide immediate relief materials, including food, medical supplies, and shelter, to displaced persons and those receiving hospital treatment. The Senate's Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence are tasked with evaluating operational strategies in Benue South and ensuring compliance with the resolutions.

Aside from the lives lost, many members of the affected communities have been displaced and are currently seeking refuge in neighbouring communities.

— Senator Abba MoroDescribing the consequences of the attacks on the affected communities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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