The Nigerian Senate has directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Livestock and Agriculture to collaborate with the federal government on establishing modern ranches across the country to curb insecurity.
The Senate also resolved to introduce legislation that would regulate the movement of cattle from neighbouring countries into Nigeria.
This follows a motion by Senator Anthony Yaro, highlighting the need to address the growing threat of banditry and the displacement of citizens in villages within the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Senator Yaro, while presenting his motion, explained that last Thursday, armed herders attacked the villages of Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji.
He said the herders, riding on motorcycles, killed several residents, set fire to homes, and destroyed large quantities of food and livestock.
The senator expressed concern that such incidents are destabilizing the region and threatening the peace of neighbouring states like Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa.
Yaro urged the Senate to call on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the attacks, arrest the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
The senator further requested the establishment of a joint police and military task force in Biliri Local Government Area to halt the ongoing violence.
In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi questioned the effectiveness of security votes allocated to state governors, which he argued has not successfully reduced insecurity.
Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, emphasized that the long-term solution to herders’ attacks lies in establishing ranches to prevent herders from roaming with their cattle.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North called for a law to regulate the movement of people and cattle from neighbouring countries into Nigeria under the guise of the ECOWAS treaty.
Senator Seriake Dickson urged the Senate to mandate its committees on National Security, Livestock, and Agriculture to work with the federal government to establish modern ranches and reduce insecurity.
Deputy Senate President Barau called for immediate and lasting solutions to the nation’s security challenges.
The Senate, after deliberation, observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the Gombe attacks.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
