The Nigerian Senate has called on the nation’s security leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen coordinated efforts aimed at apprehending those responsible for the recent wave of killings in Benue State.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional military and paramilitary personnel to Apa Local Government Area and other affected communities to restore law and order.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Army, Defence, and Intelligence to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the recurring attacks in Benue South and other parts of the state, with a view to recommending lasting solutions.
The Upper Chamber further directed the establishment of a Police Area Command and a military base in Apa Local Government Area and Agatu Local Government Area. It also called for increased funding for security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response in vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to adopt a long-term strategy to address farmer-herder conflicts through ranching policies, land use reforms, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
Lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of victims of the Ankpali-Edikwu attack, which prompted the motion.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who raised concerns over what he described as the gruesome killing of several residents in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa Local Government Area, on April 12, 2026. He alleged that suspected armed herdsmen were responsible for the нападения.
Moro warned that the incident reflects a troubling pattern of recurring violence across rural communities in Benue State, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property.
He further noted that the persistent insecurity, particularly in Apa and surrounding areas, has heightened fear among residents, disrupted farming activities, and threatened food security in the region.
The Senate, he said, questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures, stressing that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary responsibility. While commending the efforts of security agencies, lawmakers emphasized the need for a more proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based security architecture.
However, a proposed resolution urging the Governor of Benue State to take greater responsibility for the protection of lives and property was not put to a vote by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.