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 provide a swift response to frequent attacks by armed assailants disguised as herders.
This resolution was adopted during Wednesday’s plenary after Senator Tartenger-Zam raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Gwer-West.
He criticized the state government’s slow response, accusing authorities of downplaying the violence as mere skirmishes.
Following a fresh wave of attacks between Sunday and Monday, which left at least four people dead, the Senate unanimously supported the call for a military presence in the area.
Senator Tartenger-Zam warned that the continued violence could severely impact agriculture, the primary livelihood of residents.
Similarly, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro condemned the Benue State government’s inaction, stating that the worsening situation was forcing communities to resort to self-defence.
In addition to calling for military intervention, lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent relief to affected residents.
They also pressed the Benue State Government to enforce its anti-open grazing law to curb further conflicts.
Furthermore, the Senate mandated its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Livestock, and the Armed Forces to visit Gwer-West for an on-the-spot security assessment and to sympathize with victims.
Meanwhile, a security briefing with service chiefs has been scheduled to take place in two weeks.