The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State to enhance security and improve rapid response to frequent attacks by armed bandits disguising as herders.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This resolution was reached during a plenary session on Wednesday following a motion raised by Senator Tartenger-Zam, who highlighted the escalating security crisis in Gwer-West. He criticized the state government for its slow response to the attacks, accusing authorities of downplaying the violence as mere skirmishes.
In response, the Senate unanimously resolved to push for the deployment of a permanent military presence in the area to curb further bloodshed.
Fresh Attacks and Security Concerns
The call for military intervention follows another wave of deadly violence between Sunday and Monday night, which left at least four people dead in Gwer-West.
Senator Tartenger-Zam warned that the continuous attacks pose a severe threat to the region’s economy, particularly agriculture—the primary livelihood of Gwer-West residents.
Echoing his concerns, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro condemned the Benue State government’s inaction, stating that the worsening security situation was forcing residents to take the law into their own hands. He noted that communities feel abandoned and increasingly believe they must fend for their own security.
Senate Directs Relief and Security Measures
In addition to calling for a military base, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to displaced victims of the attacks.
Lawmakers also called on the Benue State Government to enforce its anti-open grazing law to prevent further conflicts between farmers and herders. Furthermore, the Senate mandated its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Livestock, Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, and Defence to conduct an on-the-spot security assessment in Gwer-West and extend sympathies to victims of the violence.
Meanwhile, a security briefing with service chiefs has been scheduled in two weeks to further address the deteriorating security situation in the region.
(Source: www.naija247news.com)
