Disturbed by the incessant attacks and killings in Logo Local Government of Benue State by suspected herdsmen, the Senate has directed the security operatives to swiftly curb the proliferation of fire arms across the country.
The Red Chamber also directed the Ministries of National Planning and Police Affairs as well as the Budget Office and the Police Force to ensure adequate funding in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Mobile Police Barracks at Ayilamo in the local government area to guarantee additional security.
It equally called for the setting up of ranches in each of the local governments across Nigeria with a view to restricting cattle movements.
These resolutions were sequel to the consideration of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC Benue North East) on the continuing wanton killings in Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, Azege and other communities in the local government area
Senator Udende who came under Orders 41 and 51 of the Standing Order of the Senate, told his colleagues that “on the first day of December 2024 at Azege in Tombo Council Ward of Logo local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen.”
“These attacks, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen, have continued unabated, undermining security ,peace and the socio-economic stability of the affected communities .
“Between 22nd October 2024 and today, nearly fifty people have been killed, with 15 killed in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin and six in Uzer community respectively.
“The continuous insecurity in these areas is in direct contravention of the constitutional provision under section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” he lamented.
Senator Udende argued that lack of adequate and timely intervention by security agencies has emboldened the attackers to carry out further heinous attacks .
In his contribution, Senator Titus Zam (APC Benue North West), described the killing as recurring decimal that has raked massive havoc on innocent people of the state and urged the government to act decisively .
Also, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South), expressed concerns that Nigeria is at risk of been overwhelmed if it continues to experience food insecurity and insecurity of lives and properties and advised the security operatives to raise to the challenge as quickly as possible .
For Senator Aliyu Wadada (SDP Nasarawa West), the paradox remains that, while other nations are working towards technology advancement, “we are killing ourselves, shedding blood as if we are killing mosquitoes. And I the sad thing is that all efforts are not working, we are a religious people and we must act in a Godly manner.”
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP Benue South) told his colleagues during the debate that ,the current killings in Benue and across the country should be investigated , alleging that ,”when people come ,kill and go away , it calls for concerns and I think it should be properly investigated. We need to understand what is happening. We must get to the root of this matter because I don’t think it is as simple as we see it.”
Senators Sunday Karimi (APC Kogi West) and Victor Umeh (LP Anambra Central) both blamed the killings of the inability of authorities to stop open grazing.
