The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed deep concern over a surge of killings in communities within Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Benue State, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen military operations to halt the attacks.
The resolution followed the adoption of a Motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Terseer Ugbor, the lawmaker representing the constituency.
Ugbor described coordinated attacks by armed mercenaries and bandits on several communities in Kwande Local Government Area, resulting in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents.
Ugbor highlighted attacks on February 3, 2026, in Abande and Anwase communities, which left at least 17 people dead, including a Mobile Police officer. Similar assaults occurred in Anem and Tomataan in Ikyurav-Ya, as well as Ikyov in Ushongo LGA. On March 5, armed assailants killed 16 people in Mbaav and Mbachoon communities.
During an assessment of the affected areas on March 8, Ugbor noted that although a full battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed, operational constraints and unclear mandates limited their effectiveness.
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He also warned that the porous Nigeria–Cameroon border and illegal mining activities were providing safe havens for criminal networks.
The House called for the immediate deployment of additional technological and logistical support, including drones and modern combat equipment, to security forces in Kwande LGA.
Lawmakers also urged the government to establish an Export Processing Zone along the Benue–Cameroon border to promote legitimate economic activities and ban illegal mining in the area.
Committees on Defence, National Security, and Intelligence were mandated to liaise with relevant agencies for prompt implementation of the resolutions and report back to the House.
Benue State, often called Nigeria’s “food basket,” has long faced insecurity from banditry, farmer–herder clashes, and cross-border criminal activities, affecting food production and livelihoods, particularly in border communities.