The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area, 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 and operations across affected communities to prevent further attacks.
The Senate specifically recommended placing a military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor to ensure a continuous security presence in the troubled area. It further appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the locality so residents can make emergency calls during crises.
The chamber directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families impacted by attacks in Kwande and other parts of the state.
During the session, senators observed a one-minute silence in honour of those killed in recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho, and neighbouring communities.
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende concerning the escalating attacks in communities within Kwande.
While presenting the motion, Udende noted that recent coordinated attacks by armed assailants had resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people, forcing many residents to abandon their homes. He recalled that on February 5, 2026, gunmen stormed a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying houses and property.
According to the senator, about 50 people were reportedly killed during the February attacks, with several others still missing. Violence continued in March, worsening the humanitarian crisis. On March 10, gunmen reportedly killed 11 people in fresh attacks, while an earlier assault on March 5 in Bachor community also caused casualties and property destruction.
Udende added that several of the bodies recovered after the attacks remain unidentified, with about 25 people still unaccounted for. He also cautioned that the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives could weaken collaboration between community volunteers and formal security agencies.
He stressed that poor road networks, limited communication infrastructure, and the absence of permanent security formations continue to slow response efforts in rural communities.
Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the security situation in Benue as a national emergency requiring swift government action.
Senator Ahmed Lawan also emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s overall security framework, urging that security agencies be properly funded and equipped to confront armed groups effectively.