The 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 facilitate quicker responses to attacks by bandits, who often disguise themselves as herders.
This call was made during plenary on Wednesday, following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Senator Tartenger-Zam. He highlighted the escalating security crisis in Gwer-West, criticising the slow response of the state government, which he argued often downplays attacks as “mere skirmishes.”
In response, the Senate unanimously resolved to advocate for the establishment of a permanent military base in the area. This decision came after a recent wave of violence between Sunday and Monday night, which saw at least four people killed in another brutal raid by armed assailants.
Tartenger-Zam warned that the ongoing attacks could have severe economic implications, particularly for agriculture, the primary livelihood of Gwer-West residents.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, echoed Tartenger-Zam’s concerns, further condemning the Benue State government’s inaction, which he claimed was forcing citizens to take matters into their own hands. Moro stated that local communities were increasingly feeling responsible for their own security, expressing disappointment over the state’s failure to effectively address the crisis.
The Senate also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities. Additionally, they urged the Benue State government to enforce its anti-open grazing law to help prevent further conflicts.
The Senate further mandated its committees on National Security, Intelligence, Livestock, Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, and Defence to conduct an on-the-ground security assessment in Gwer-West and offer their sympathies to the victims of the attacks.
A security briefing with the service chiefs has been scheduled to take place in two weeks.
