By Stephen Simon
The Senate has called for urgent security measures in Benue State following reports that 113 people were killed in separate attacks on communities in the state.
The lawmakers expressed concern over the reported killings, including the deaths of six Mobile Police personnel, and demanded stronger operations to prevent further bloodshed.
Moving the motion, Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East, said 24 people were killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
He also cited reported killings in Bom and Aboajio villages in Ukum Local Government Area, as well as an attack on Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area that allegedly claimed 15 lives, including six police officers.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen security deployments, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and rapid-response operations in vulnerable communities.
It also called on the police and military leadership to investigate the attacks and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.
The lawmakers further urged emergency management agencies to provide relief to affected residents, whose homes and livelihoods have reportedly been destroyed.
The Senate said the recurring violence had disrupted economic activities and increased the risk of displacement in the affected communities.
