The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to safely return to their communities.
Lawmakers also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and conduct coordinated patrols across communities affected by recent attacks in the area. As part of its recommendations, the Senate proposed the establishment of a military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor to ensure a sustained security presence.
In addition, the chamber appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the locality to allow residents make distress calls during emergencies.
The Senate also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the attacks in Kwande and other parts of Benue State.
During plenary, lawmakers observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and neighbouring communities.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who raised concerns over the escalating violence in communities within Kwande Local Government Area.
Presenting the motion, Udende said coordinated attacks by armed assailants in the area had resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people and forced many residents to flee their homes.
He recalled that on February 5, 2026, gunmen attacked a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others and destroying houses and other property. According to him, about 50 people were reportedly killed during the February attacks, while some others remain missing.
The senator further disclosed that another wave of violence occurred in March, worsening the humanitarian situation in the area. He said gunmen killed about 11 people in fresh attacks on March 10, while an earlier assault on March 5 in Bachor community also resulted in casualties and destruction of property.
Udende told lawmakers that several bodies recovered after the attacks have yet to be identified, while about 25 people are still unaccounted for.
He also warned that the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives could weaken collaboration between community volunteers and formal security agencies.
According to him, poor road networks, limited communication infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations continue to hinder quick responses to distress calls in rural communities.
Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the situation in Benue as a national emergency requiring urgent government intervention.
Also contributing, Senator Ahmed Lawan stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that security agencies must be adequately funded and equipped with the necessary logistics to effectively tackle armed groups.
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