Senate Demands Probe Into Benue Killings As Death Toll Hits 113

The Nigerian Senate has called for an urgent investigation into the killing of 113 people in Benue State, following a series of deadly attacks that have heightened concerns over the safety of residents in several communities.

The resolution was reached during plenary on Thursday after lawmakers considered a motion of urgent public importance concerning recurring violence in parts of the state.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District. He drew the attention of the Senate to attacks recorded in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo Local Government Areas, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed.

According to details presented to the Senate, the attacks occurred in four separate incidents and resulted in a combined death toll of 113 people. Six Mobile Police personnel were also among those killed during one of the attacks.

Four attacks leave 113 dead

Senator Udende told lawmakers that 24 people were reportedly killed during an attack on the Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

Another attack on Bom and Aboajio villages in the Mbazun Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area reportedly claimed 63 lives.

The two incidents alone accounted for 87 deaths, according to the details presented during the Senate session.

A further attack occurred in Ayilamo, located in the Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area. Fifteen people were reportedly killed in that incident, including six Mobile Police personnel.

The fourth attack was reported on October 8, when assailants reportedly invaded Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako villages in the Mbatian Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area. Eleven people were said to have lost their lives, while properties were also destroyed.

The attacks have left communities mourning and raised fresh questions about the ability of security agencies to protect residents in vulnerable areas.

Senate demands police investigation

Following the presentation, lawmakers expressed concern over the repeated violence and called for immediate action from security agencies.

The Senate specifically urged Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings, identify those responsible and ensure that suspects are prosecuted.

The lawmakers also called on the Chief of Army Staff and relevant security and intelligence agencies to strengthen operations in affected communities and other areas considered vulnerable to attacks.

Senators stressed the importance of improving intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms and rapid-response capabilities so that security agencies can intervene before attacks occur rather than responding after casualties have been recorded.

Senator Jide Ipinshagba raised a particularly serious concern during the debate, questioning what the continued killings of security personnel meant for ordinary civilians.

His argument reflected the growing anxiety in communities where residents rely heavily on security forces for protection.

Senator Idayat Oluranti Adebule also condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as the Nigeria Police Force over the deaths of the Mobile Police personnel.

Farmers and livelihoods affected

Beyond the loss of lives, the Senate warned that the continuing attacks were having wider consequences for communities across Benue.

Benue is heavily dependent on agriculture, and repeated attacks can prevent farmers from reaching their fields during crucial farming periods.

Lawmakers said the insecurity has disrupted economic activities, destroyed livelihoods and increased the possibility of residents being forced to abandon their communities.

For families who depend on farming and other local businesses, the consequences extend beyond the immediate destruction caused by an attack.

The loss of homes, farmland, livestock and other property can leave survivors struggling to rebuild their lives after violence has ended.

The Senate therefore urged the government to combine security operations with humanitarian assistance for affected residents.

Call for emergency assistance

The lawmakers called on the National Emergency Management Agency and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to victims and displaced residents.

They said affected communities require urgent support, including relief materials and other forms of humanitarian assistance.

The Senate also observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

The deaths of six Mobile Police personnel were also specifically acknowledged, highlighting the risks faced by security officers deployed to areas affected by violence.

Senate seeks stronger security measures

The Senate President directed the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to work with relevant security agencies to examine the situation and identify measures that could improve security operations in Benue.

Lawmakers said security agencies must strengthen their presence in vulnerable communities while improving coordination between the police, military and intelligence services.

The Senate’s position also reflects broader concerns about recurring attacks in Benue, where violence has repeatedly resulted in deaths, displacement and disruption of agricultural activities.

The lawmakers stressed that investigations must not end with identifying suspects. Those found responsible should face prosecution to ensure that the latest attacks do not become another case where perpetrators escape accountability.

Demand for accountability

The Senate’s intervention comes as residents and families affected by the attacks continue to deal with the consequences of the violence.

With 113 deaths reported across the four incidents, the lawmakers said decisive action was needed to prevent further bloodshed.

The call to the IGP places responsibility on the police to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks, identify those behind them and support efforts to bring the perpetrators before the courts.

For communities in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo, however, the immediate concern remains security.

The Senate has therefore urged the government and security agencies to strengthen preventive measures, improve intelligence gathering and ensure rapid intervention whenever threats emerge.

The lawmakers maintained that protecting lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

As investigations are expected to proceed, attention will now turn to whether security agencies can identify those responsible for the killings and whether stronger measures will be implemented to prevent similar attacks from occurring again.

The lawmakers further stressed that residents should not be left to face the security crisis alone. They urged authorities to maintain regular engagement with affected communities, respond quickly to emerging threats and ensure that displaced families receive the necessary assistance as they work to rebuild their lives.

The Senate’s resolution sends a clear message that the latest bloodshed in Benue requires more than condemnation, with investigations, accountability, security improvements and support for affected communities needed to address the crisis.