The Senate has demanded that the Federal Government set up a long-term military installation in Benue State’s Gwer-West Local Government Area.
The demand is for increased protection and a quicker reaction to alleged Fulani herdsman attacks.
This was one of the motions that were discussed during Wednesday’s plenary session after Senator Tartenger-Zam brought up an urgent public concern regarding the appalling security situation in Gwer-West.
Tartenger-Zam criticized the state government’s tardy reaction, claiming that officials frequently minimize the attacks as minor skirmishes.
Therefore, the red chamber decided unanimously to advocate for the establishment of a long-term military base in the region.
Following a new round of violence in the region between Sunday and Monday night, in which armed terrorists brutally invaded the neighborhood and killed at least four individuals, the request was made.
Since agriculture is the main industry in Gwer-West, Tartenger-Zam cautioned that the ongoing attacks could have serious economic repercussions.
Sen. Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, reiterated Tartenger-Zam’s worries and criticized the Benue State administration for its inaction, saying it was encouraging residents to enforce the law on their own.
While lamenting the deteriorating circumstances, Moro stated that the communities feel it is their duty to offer security.
Additionally, the lawmakers called on NEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency, to send relief supplies to impacted communities immediately.
The Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Livestock, Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, and Defense were also ordered to visit Gwer-West for an on-the-spot security assessment and to offer condolences to the victims of the attacks. They also urged the Benue State Government to enforce its anti-open grazing law to prevent future conflicts.