Lau-sponsored motion calls for urgent deployment of security personnel, relief materials for affected communities
The Senate has called for the deployment of additional security personnel and the establishment of more security camps around the borders of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following the killing of scores of residents by suspected bandits in Binnari community, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The call followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, who represents Taraba North Senatorial District, over the reported killings of innocent and defenceless civilians, which the motion put at about 80 deaths.
The motion drew the attention of the Senate to the security situation in the affected community, highlighting the loss of lives, fear among residents, displacement and disruption of normal community life arising from the attack.
Presenting the motion, Lau expressed concern over the continued threat posed by armed bandits to rural communities, warning that the recurrence of violent attacks could lead to further loss of lives, destruction of property and worsening humanitarian challenges if urgent measures were not taken.
He noted that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government and stressed that no community should be left at the mercy of armed criminal groups.
Seconding the motion, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno described it as timely and appropriate, stressing that the primary responsibility of government was to protect the lives and property of the people.
Monguno said the motion demonstrated Lau’s commitment to representing the interests of his constituents by bringing their concerns before the Senate and seeking the support of the National Assembly in addressing the security challenges confronting them.
He said he fully supported the prayers contained in the motion and called for urgent action to protect the affected communities from further attacks.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel and establish more security camps to strengthen surveillance around the borders of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states.
The lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to immediately provide relief materials to communities affected by the attack.
The intervention is aimed at supporting residents who may have lost their homes, belongings and sources of livelihood, while addressing the immediate humanitarian needs arising from the violence.
The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attack, as lawmakers paid tribute to the victims and expressed concern over the security challenges confronting vulnerable communities.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, presided over the session during which the prayers were considered.
The attack on Binnari has attracted renewed attention to the security situation in parts of Taraba State, particularly communities vulnerable to incursions by armed groups operating across state boundaries.
The Senate’s intervention adds to calls for stronger security deployments, improved surveillance and humanitarian assistance for residents affected by the violence.
