The Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State to tackle recurring attacks by armed groups disguised as herders.
During plenary on Wednesday, March 12, Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam raised concerns over escalating violence in the area, criticising the state government’s slow response and dismissive attitude. “The authorities often downplay the attacks as ‘mere skirmishes’,” he said.
His call followed fresh violence between Sunday and Monday night, in which at least four people were killed in another brutal invasion.
Tartenger-Zam warned that continued attacks could cripple agriculture, the mainstay of Gwer-West’s economy.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro echoed his concerns, blaming the Benue State government’s inaction for pushing communities to take security into their own hands. According to him, residents feel abandoned and have resorted to self-defence.
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The Senate unanimously resolved to push for a military base in Gwer-West and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent relief for affected communities.
Lawmakers also called on the Benue State Government to enforce its anti-open grazing law to prevent further violence.
Additionally, the Senate directed its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Livestock, Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, and Defence to visit Gwer-West for an on-the-spot security assessment and express sympathy to victims.
Meanwhile, a security briefing with service chiefs is scheduled for two weeks.