Senate asks security agencies to restore peace in Benue community after attacks

The senate has called on security agencies to restore peace in Garuwa, a community in Gwer LGA of Benue state, following attacks that left four people dead.

The violence, which occurred on Monday, triggered protests by angry youths who torched the local government secretariat, the traditional ruler’s palace, and homes of prominent individuals.

Raising a motion at plenary on Wednesday, Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, condemned the killings and the destruction that followed.

He claimed the attackers were disguised as herders, adding that the incident prompted outrage among residents who accused the government of failing to protect them.

“The peace-loving people of Garuwa community in the aforementioned area of Benue state were invaded by bandits masquerading as herders on Monday, 10th March 2025, resulting in the killings of four persons,” Zam said.

“Yesterday, irate youths took to the streets in protest against the continued killings of the people and the government’s seeming inability to protect them.

“The youths in anger and frustration, burnt down the Gwer West local government secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler of the local government area, my private residence and houses of other prominent sons in the local government area, accusing us of inability to safeguard the community.

“I have on several occasions, moved motions and presented bills on this subject matter, including the bill for open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment, which is awaiting public hearing.”

Seconding the motion, Abba Moro, senate minority leader and lawmaker representing Benue south, also faulted the state government’s response.

“The continued silence and inaction on the part of the government of Benue state is snowballing into the citizens resulting to attacking elected representatives,” he said.

“It is very sad to note, also, that rather than pick up the challenge of preserving lives and properties, the Benue state governor has said the incidents are mere skirmishes.

“In most cases, no statements, no demonstration of empathy has been shown by the government of Benue state.”

In its resolutions, the senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the ministry of humanitarian affairs to provide relief materials to those displaced by the attacks.

The upper chamber also mandated its committee on national security to conduct an in-the-spot assessment of the crisis, particularly its impact on agriculture and food production.

The senate condemned the attacks and mandated security agencies to deploy personnel to affected areas to halt the ongoing violence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to ensuring peace in Benue and urged both federal and state authorities to act swiftly to end the crisis.