By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has asked on the Federal Government to urgently provide relief materials and medical assistance to victims of a deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during Wednesday’s plenary by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, who represents Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
Tarkighir told lawmakers that over 200 people were killed when unidentified gunmen invaded Yelwata on June 14, wielding sophisticated weapons and unleashing terror on defenceless residents. He added that the attack displaced thousands, resulting in severe humanitarian challenges, destruction of property, and deepening insecurity.
“The House is aware that similar attacks have occurred regularly within and beyond my constituency, exacerbating insecurity and fear among communities in the region,” Tarkighir said. “We are concerned that the scale of the crisis requires immediate and coordinated intervention to prevent further loss of lives and to provide adequate support for the displaced and affected communities.”
He further warned that delays in response and absence of comprehensive security measures could escalate violence and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
The motion was unanimously adopted through a voice vote presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
In its resolution, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and other relevant agencies to immediately mobilize relief materials and medical support for displaced residents.
