The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State as part of urgent measures to tackle escalating attacks and restore security in the region.
The lawmakers said the proposed military formation would help improve security presence and enable displaced residents to safely return to their communities.
In addition, the Senate urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and conduct coordinated patrols across vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks by armed groups.
Specifically, the lawmakers recommended that the military base be located along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor, a strategic area considered crucial for maintaining a consistent security presence in the troubled locality.
The Senate also appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the area to improve network coverage, enabling residents to make emergency distress calls during attacks.
Furthermore, the chamber directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and humanitarian support to families affected by the violence in Kwande and other parts of Benue.
During plenary, senators observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and surrounding communities.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Emmanuel Udende, the senator representing the area, who raised concerns over the increasing wave of attacks in communities within Kwande.
Presenting the motion, Udende revealed that coordinated assaults by armed attackers had killed more than 20 residents and forced many others to flee their homes.
He recalled that on February 5, 2026, gunmen invaded a settlement in the area, killing several people, injuring others and destroying houses and property. According to him, around 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several others remain missing.
Udende also noted that the violence escalated in March, worsening the humanitarian situation. He said about 11 people were killed on March 10, while an earlier attack on March 5 in Bachor community also left casualties and extensive property damage.
The lawmaker added that many bodies recovered after the attacks remain unidentified, while approximately 25 people are still unaccounted for.
He warned that the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and formal security agencies.
Udende further stressed that poor road networks, limited telecommunications infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations have slowed response efforts to distress calls in rural communities.
Seconding the motion, Osita Izunaso described the security situation in Benue as a national emergency that requires urgent government intervention.
Also contributing, Ahmed Lawan emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security framework, adding that security agencies must be adequately funded and provided with the logistics needed to effectively confront armed groups.
