By Haruna Salami
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (Benue South) has called on the Federal Government to cease all negotiations with and payments to terrorists.
Speaking with members of the Senate Press Corps on Wednesday, Moro addressed the persistent violence in the Apa, Iga, and Ankpali districts of the Benue South Senatorial District. His comments followed the presentation of a formal motion regarding the incessant killings in the region.
“The issue of killings in Nigeria has become an almost daily occurrence
“It has turned into a routine of observing one-minute silences, discussing military funding, and simply moving on”, Moro stated.
Questioning the government’s resolve to combat the menace, the Senator wondered why the country remains unable to address these threats despite their well-known nature.
“Whether it is Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry and abductions in Zamfara and the Northwest, or kidnapping and armed robbery in the North-Central, these are familiar challenges,” he noted. “Why, after years and even decades, has the government been unable to put an end to them? What are we doing, and what are we failing to do?”
Moro expressed concern over the reactive nature of security forces. He observed that in many operational areas, security agencies are often seen recovering bodies after attacks rather than preventing them.
“Why are they not preventing these killings? Why do they respond only after lives have been lost? Furthermore, why have there been so few arrests? Globally, intelligence gathering is key—it involves collecting information to prevent attacks and apprehend those responsible. Why should Nigeria be the exception?”
The Senator cited the tragic example of Ankpali Ediku in his local government area to illustrate the recurring violence.
“The community was attacked on January 6, 2025, leaving 11 people dead. Now, on April 12, 2026, almost a year later, another attack has claimed 14 lives,” he revealed.
Moro detailed his efforts to support local security, noting that units like the Mobile Police and Operation Whirl Stroke were reportedly present after the initial attack.
He said:“During my visit, I offered to support the police by reconfiguring their vehicles to suit operational needs.
They mentioned a cost, but when I insisted on assessing the vehicles first rather than providing funds outright, I never heard from them again.
“ Now, the same community has been attacked once more, and once again, we are observing a minute of silence. It is disheartening.”
Regarding the escalation of attacks against military personnel and senior officers, Senator Moro argued that such outcomes are “not surprising.”
According to him:“When a government appears to be yielding to or negotiating with terrorists and bandits, it emboldens them.
“Why wouldn’t they extend their attacks to military targets? There have been instances where security agents admit that bandits possess more sophisticated weapons, making confrontation difficult. This is a serious concern.”
Moro, who served as the Minister of Interior for nearly four years, insisted on a “no-negotiation” policy.
“You do not negotiate with terrorists. You do not pay ransoms. You identify them and neutralize them. That is the global standard.
“Instead, we see bandits moving freely and even approaching government authorities for negotiations.
“They receive ransom payments, which only strengthens their capacity to acquire more advanced weapons”, he asserted.
The Senator concluded by criticizing the current political climate, suggesting that governance has taken a backseat to electioneering.
“Leaders are focused on securing second terms rather than effectively delivering on their first. Meanwhile, ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer,” Moro said.
He also questioned the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for “repentant” terrorists. “If individuals who have committed serious crimes and killings are released by the same authorities responsible for prosecuting them, what message does that send? That is the fundamental question.”
