The Nigerian Senate has resolved to dust all resolutions on the incessant killings across Nigeria for onward presentation to executive arm of government for actions.
Senate also faulted the security architecture of Nigeria, saying the armed forces have received appropriations much enough to deal with insecurity.
This is on the heels of a motion of urgent national importance on the killings in Ukum, Vandeikya and Katsina Ala areas of Benue State moved by Senator Emmanuel Mmenga Udende.
In his motion which was rounding supported, the federal lawmaker drew the attention of the Senate to the killing of over 50 persons by armed herdsmen in his senatorial district .
According to his motion, “Aware with deepest sadness that no fewer than 50 persons have been killed in fresh attacks on several communities in Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State by terrorist parading as herdsmen;
“Further aware that the affected communities some of which were attacked as recently as yesterday 5th March, 2024 include Tyuluv, Borikyo, Kundav, Ugbaam, Uyam, Udedeku, Yaaiwa, Nyihemba, Tomatar , Menakwagh , Yiase and Agura all in the Benue North East Senatorial district of Benue State;
“Saddened that residents of the villages and communities now find themselves targeted on a daily basis by heavily armed terrorist herdsmen, and the toll continues to be staggering as they bear the brunt, with reports of marauders butchering several villagers, leaving many homes completely burnt down and numerous residents still missing while the perpetrators, however, remain elusive and have not been apprehended.”
The motion said; “Further saddened that this pathetic situation and development has inflicted untold hardship on women, children and the elderly, who are trekking long distances in search of a safe haven and awaiting the intervention of security operatives;
“Concerned that this situation, in addition to the loss of lives and property, has already impacted negatively on the economic lives of the people and the resultant effect of shortage of farm produce is one of the reasons for the astronomical rise in the prices of agricultural produce and inflation in the country;
“Further concerned that despite the public outcry and previous resolutions of the National Assembly as regards the criminal activities of these terrorist parading as herdsmen, there seems to be no visible action on the part of government to curtail, abate or totally stop the criminal activities of these criminal elements;
“Convinced that the utmost concern of and the purpose of government is the security and safety of lives and properties in line with Section 14 (2) b of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and there is need to act urgently.”
Upon an exhaustive debate, the Senate resolved that its leadership visits President Bola Almed Tinubu with all the resolutions on the motion towards ending the continued killings of farmers by armed herdsmen in Benue North East and Nigeria at large.
It also conveyed it’s condolence to the people of Benue North East Senatorial District and to also lead a delegation to the Governor of Benue State to find out his efforts on the and challenges
The Senate further commended Senator Emmanuel Udende for his swift response to bringing the matter of the killings to the senate.
Consequently, the Senate urged the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and heads of other security agencies to take urgent action.
Senate also called on the security operatives to deploy personnel to address the continuing and ongoing attacks by armed terrorist parading as herdsmen on communities in Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State with a view to flushing out the herdsmen, stop the killings and restore normalcy to the affected communities,
It was also resolved that there should be more investment in surveillance technology and equipment to detect and prevent future attacks;
Also that there should be a review of the security architecture in the area to forstal the continuous attacks.
It also requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately mobilise relief materials to the people displaced by these recent attacks in Kwande, Ukum, Logo and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State.
It however mandated the relevant committees of the Senate to ensure compliance.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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