By Babatunji Wusu –
The Nigerian Senate has formally requested the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area to enhance security measures and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their communities.
Lawmakers have also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance efforts and conduct coordinated patrols and operations throughout affected areas to mitigate the risk of further attacks.
Specifically, the Senate proposed the establishment of a military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor to ensure a sustained security presence in this volatile region.
Additionally, the chamber appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the area, enabling residents to make distress calls during emergencies.
The Senate has directed the National Emergency Management Agency to deliver relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the attacks in Kwande and other regions of Benue State.
During the session, senators observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims of recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho, and adjacent communities.
These resolutions were prompted by a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Senator Emmanuel Udende concerning the escalating attacks in communities within Kwande Local Government Area.
In presenting the motion, Udende indicated that recent coordinated assaults by armed groups in the region have resulted in the deaths of over 20 individuals and compelled many residents to flee their homes.
He recounted an incident on February 5, 2026, when gunmen invaded a settlement, resulting in multiple casualties and extensive property damage.
According to his account, approximately 50 individuals were reported killed during the February attacks, with several others still unaccounted for.
Senator Udende further noted that another wave of violence erupted in March, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.
He mentioned that on March 10, attackers reportedly killed around 11 people, while a prior incident on March 5 in the Bachor community also resulted in injuries and property damage.
Udende informed lawmakers that many of the bodies recovered post-attacks remain unidentified, and about 25 individuals continue to be missing.
He expressed concern that the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine collaboration between community volunteers and formal security agencies.
He highlighted that inadequate road infrastructure, limited communication facilities, and the lack of permanent security deployments hinder timely responses to distress calls in rural communities.
Supporting the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso characterized the security situation in Benue as a national emergency requiring prompt government intervention.
Senator Ahmed Lawan also emphasized the necessity of reinforcing Nigeria’s overall security framework, asserting that security agencies must receive appropriate funding and resources to effectively address the challenges posed by armed groups.
