In response to the persistent violence in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, attributed to suspected herdsmen, the Nigerian Senate has taken decisive steps to address the crisis.
The Senate has called for immediate measures to curb the proliferation of arms and enhance security in the region.
Following a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, the Senate highlighted the dire situation in communities such as Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, and Azege, where nearly 50 people have been killed since October. Senator Udende emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "On the first day of December, 2024 at Azege in Tombo council Ward of Logo local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen."
To combat this ongoing threat, the Senate has directed the ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, the Budget Office, and the Police Force to ensure adequate funding in the 2025 budget for constructing a Mobile Police Barracks in Ayilamo.
This initiative aims to bolster security and provide a rapid response to future incidents.
Additionally, the Senate proposed the establishment of ranches across local governments in Nigeria to restrict cattle movements, a measure intended to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers.
Senators expressed concerns about the broader implications of these attacks, with Senator Jimoh Ibrahim warning that "Nigeria is at risk of being overwhelmed if it continues to experience food insecurity and insecurity of lives and properties."
The Senate also called for a thorough investigation into the killings, with Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro urging, "We need to understand what is happening. We must get to the root of this matter because I don’t think it is as simple as we see it."
In a bid to restore peace and order, the Senate directed the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to deploy additional security personnel and resources to the affected areas. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Agency was tasked with providing immediate relief materials and assistance to displaced persons.
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