The Senate on Thursday urged the federal government to establish a military base in Kwande, Benue State, to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to return home safely. 

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East) over escalating terrorist attacks across communities in Kwande.

Mr Udende said recent coordinated assaults by armed attackers in Kwande Local Government Area left more than 20 residents dead and forced many families to flee their homes.

He explained that the attackers targeted villages and local markets, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and fear among residents struggling to rebuild their shattered communities.

The senator recalled that on February 5, assailants invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying homes and properties.

He added that nearly 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several residents remained missing as communities continue to search for their loved ones.

Mr Udende said that another wave of attacks occurred across parts of Kwande in March.

According to him, on Tuesday, gunmen again invaded communities, killing about eleven people and spreading panic among already traumatised residents.

He also noted that another attack on March 5 in the Bachor community resulted in additional deaths and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

“Several bodies recovered from the attacks remain unidentified, while about twenty-five persons are still missing,” Mr Udende told lawmakers during plenary.

He warned that intimidation and arrests of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies.

Mr Udende said poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure, and the absence of permanent security formations had continued to hinder rapid response to distress calls.

“Improved security presence and communication facilities will significantly enhance response time and protect lives in these vulnerable rural communities,” he said.

Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso warned that the security crisis in Benue had become a national emergency requiring urgent government intervention.

“It is unacceptable that a senator could be attacked even while worshipping in church,” Mr Izunaso said.

He described the proposed military base as a proactive step to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives ahead of upcoming political activities.

Also contributing, Senator Ahmed Lawan said the recurring discussions on attacks and kidnappings showed Nigeria must rethink its overall security strategy.

“Our armed forces are not magicians. They can not defeat these criminals without adequate weapons, logistics, and timely release of operational resources,” Mr Lawan said.

He urged the National Assembly and government agencies to ensure security forces received sufficient funding, equipment, and operational support to protect citizens.

The Senate thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of the victims killed in the attacks across Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho, and other affected communities.

Lawmakers also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, coordinated patrols and operations across the affected communities to prevent further attacks.

The Senate further called on the federal government to establish a military base in the Ikyurav-Ya-Ukusu axis to ensure a sustained security presence.

The Senate also urged telecommunications companies to install communication masts in affected areas to enable residents to make timely distress calls during emergencies.

In addition, lawmakers asked the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected families across Kwande and other affected Benue local government areas.

(NAN)