The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Benue State following a series of attacks in which more than 50 persons were reportedly killed, with several others injured and many families thrown into mourning.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East, over the escalating attacks by armed groups across communities in the state.
Presenting the motion, the lawmaker recalled an earlier attack on February 5, 2026, at Anwase settlement, where assailants invaded the community, killing nearly 50 residents, injuring many others, and destroying properties, while several persons were declared missing.
Udende noted that while residents were still mourning the victims of the February incident, another wave of deadly attacks occurred in March 2026 in parts of Kwande Local Government Area, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the area.
He explained that on March 3, armed bandits reportedly invaded Mbaav community in Turan District in the early hours of the morning while residents were asleep, killing about 11 persons.
Similarly, on March 5, another attack was recorded in Mbachoon community in Mbaikyior, Turan District, where 11 additional persons were killed.
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The senator further stated that several bodies recovered from attacks in Yaav District and Mbaav/Mbadura Districts of Turan have been identified, while the identities of many others are yet to be confirmed.
He expressed concern that an unspecified number of persons remain missing, while properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attacks.
Udende also raised concerns over reports that despite the deployment of security personnel to the affected communities, there have been cases of intimidation and arrest of local vigilantes, which could undermine the cooperation needed between community security volunteers and formal security agencies.
He added that the absence of critical infrastructure such as motorable roads, communication facilities, and permanent security formations continues to hamper rapid response by security agencies, leaving rural communities vulnerable to attacks.
According to him, improved security presence and better communication infrastructure would significantly enhance response time to distress calls from the remote communities.
Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to liase with the Federal Government to immediately direct relevant security agencies to intensify surveillance, patrols, and coordinated security operations in the affected communities and across Kwande Local Government Area.
The Senate also called on the Inspector General of Police to deploy additional Mobile Police personnel to Abande, Imande, Avur, and surrounding communities to strengthen security presence.
Lawmakers further urged the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in the area to foster effective collaboration with community vigilantes and avoid actions that could undermine community-based security support structures.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
