By Palang Paul
The Nigerian Senate has called for an urgent security overhaul following reported attacks that killed 113 people, including six Mobile Police personnel, in separate communities across Benue State.
The lawmakers made the call on Thursday 22nd October 2026 while deliberating on a motion sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East, who raised concerns over the recurring violence in the state.
Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, said 24 people were killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, while another 63 were reportedly killed in attacks on Bom and Aboajio villages in Ukum Local Government Area.
He added that 15 people, including six Mobile Police personnel, were killed in an attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.
The senator further reported that 11 people were killed on October 8, 2026, when attackers invaded Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako villages in Ukum Local Government Area, destroying property in the process.
Udende warned that the repeated attacks had disrupted farming and other economic activities, destroyed livelihoods and increased the risk of mass displacement.
He called for the deployment of additional military personnel to the affected communities to strengthen security and reassure residents.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Jide Ipinshagba questioned the safety of civilians if security personnel were also being killed in the attacks.
He said the reported killings of security operatives raised serious concerns about the ability of ordinary residents to protect themselves from armed attackers.
Senate Calls for Stronger Security Operations
Following the adoption of the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to take immediate measures to prevent further attacks in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas, as well as other vulnerable communities across Benue State.
The lawmakers also called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and relevant security and intelligence chiefs to strengthen operations in the affected areas.
They urged the security agencies to deploy adequate personnel and operational resources, improve intelligence gathering and establish effective early-warning systems to identify threats before attacks occur.
The Senate further called for rapid-response mechanisms, thorough investigations into the killings and the prosecution of anyone found responsible.
The lawmakers stressed the need for security agencies to prioritise preventive measures rather than responding only after lives and property had been lost.
Senate Seeks Relief for Displaced Residents
The Senate also expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the attacks, including the destruction of homes, loss of livelihoods and displacement of residents.
It urged the National Emergency Management Agency to collaborate with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to affected communities.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to work with relevant agencies to identify measures to strengthen security operations and improve the deployment of personnel.
The Senate’s intervention comes amid continuing concerns over attacks on communities in Benue State and the need for stronger protection of civilians and security personnel.
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