By Musa Baba Adamu
The Senate yesterday has summoned security chiefs for a meeting next week over recent killings in Gwer West of Benue state and other parts of the country.
The security chiefs expected to engage with the Red Chamber include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mohammed Mohammed.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced this while commenting on a motion titled “Urgent Need for the Federal Government to Deploy Troops to Immediately Restore Law and Order in Gwer-West Local Government of Benue State.”
The Motion, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West senatorial district, was in response to incessant attacks and killings in the area by suspected herdsmen.
In its resolutions, the Senate urged security agencies to take immediate action to restore law and order in Gwer-West Local Government Area and other affected regions. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide relief materials to affected communities.
Additionally, the Senate urged the Benue State Government to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to restore peace in the state. It further mandated its committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Livestock Development, and Agriculture to visit Gwer-West Local Government Area for an on-the-ground assessment of the situation. The committees were also tasked with expressing sympathy to bereaved families and affected residents while expediting the passage of the Open Grazing Prohibition Bill.
Presenting the motion, Senator Zam informed the Senate that on Monday, 10th March 2025, “peace-loving people of Gyaruwa community in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State were invaded by bandits masquerading as herders, resulting in the killing of four persons.”
He added that the attack sparked a protest by irate youths against the continued killings and the perceived failure of the government to protect them.
“In anger and frustration, the youths set fire to the Gwer-West Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler, my private residence, and the homes of other prominent sons of the area, accusing us of failing to safeguard the community,” Zam stated.
The All Progressives Congress, (APC) lawmaker recalled that he had previously moved motions and presented bills on the matter, including the Bill on Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment, which is awaiting a public hearing.
He further noted that while the Benue State House of Assembly had enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, the apparent failure of the current administration to enforce it had subjected National Assembly members to undue pressure and criticism from their constituents.
“This situation has emboldened the bandits and further worsened the security situation in Benue State,” he lamented.
Zam warned that the incessant attacks on Gyaruwa community would significantly impact food production and agricultural activities, jeopardising food security and livelihoods in the affected area.
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