Benue Assembly summons security chiefs as herdsmen killings worsen

In a decisive move to tackle the escalating security crisis in Benue State, the state House of Assembly has summoned senior security officials to provide a comprehensive briefing on the rising wave of violence perpetrated by armed herders.

The urgent session, scheduled for today, will be attended by key security personnel, including Col. Alexander Ashungyu (Rtd), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security; Joe Har, Commissioner for Internal Security and Public Order; Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd), Security Adviser to the Governor; and Captain Ajobi Ayuma (Rtd), Commandant of the Benue Civil Protection Corps.

The meeting aims to assess the security situation and explore immediate measures to curb the escalating attacks.

Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, representing the Katsina-Ala West Constituency, tabled a motion calling for urgent intervention, citing the rising frequency and severity of attacks by armed herdsmen. He detailed the devastation suffered by communities such as Imande Zingir, Imande Akpu, Mchia, and Mbagena Kpav, where numerous lives have been lost, and properties reduced to ruins.

He stressed the need for swift and decisive action, warning that failure to contain the escalating violence could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. “If this crisis is not tackled head-on, the consequences will be catastrophic, resulting in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and lawlessness,” he warned.

In addition to the security crisis, the Assembly also denounced the recent acts of destruction carried out by some aggrieved protesters in response to the violence in Naka. The legislators strongly condemned the acts of vandalism targeting both public and private property.

To enhance the state’s security measures, the Assembly has resolved to investigate the utilisation of local government security funds. Consequently, it has tasked the Rules and Business Committee with conducting a thorough review of budget allocations to security agencies operating within the state.

Meanwhile, various stakeholders have called for a more robust intervention by the federal government, urging a comprehensive reassessment of the existing security strategies. They emphasised the urgent need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to addressing the persistent violence in the region.