Senate rejects call to suspend political activities in volatile areas

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal seeking the suspension of political activities in parts of the country grappling with insecurity, even as it raised fresh alarm over renewed attacks by insurgents and armed groups.

The proposal, moved by Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauch Central), as an additional prayer urged the halt of political activities in Benue, Niger, Sokoto and other affected states “until security improves,” but it was put to a voice vote and ultimately turned down by the chamber.

The rejection came amid deliberations on a motion sponsored by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno on the “urgent need to curb attacks on military formations by Boko Haram insurgents.”

Co-sponsored by Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and Shehu Lawan Kaka (APC, Borno Central), the motion drew attention to what lawmakers described as a troubling resurgence of violence targeting both military installations and civilian communities.

The Senate “notes with deep concern the recent attacks on military formations leading to casualties among troops,” including “Brig. Gen. Oseni Braimoh, Col. Mohammed Isya, Capt. A.M. Esmat, Lt. Kelvin Festus and 13 others.”

Lawmakers warned that “these recurring attacks on Monguno, a strategic garrison town, and Benisheikh, a key town along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway, demonstrate a deliberate attempt by insurgents to undermine military operations and disrupt humanitarian and commercial access routes.”

They further acknowledged that “the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to make immense sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, with several gallant officers and men paying the supreme price in these recent attacks.”

The chamber expressed concern that “the resurgence of attacks on both military bases and civilian communities erodes gains already recorded in counter-insurgency operations and poses grave threats to national security, food security, and the resettlement of IDPs in Borno State.”

The Senate also stressed that “the protection of innocent civilians remains a fundamental obligation under national and international humanitarian law, and is essential for maintaining public trust and cooperation in the fight against insurgency.”

Following deliberations, the Senate resolved to “strongly condemn the continued Boko Haram attacks on military formations in Borno communities” and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers and affected civilians.

It also called on the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs “to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit of the circumstances surrounding the attacks on military formations in Benisheikh and Monguno, including an assessment of equipment adequacy and rules of engagement, and to address identified gaps.”

The Armed Forces were further urged “to strengthen adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, ensure adequate training on civilian protection, and thoroughly investigate any allegations of civilian harm during military operations, with a view to ensuring accountability and preventing recurrence.”

The Senate appealed to local communities “to cooperate with the military by giving them information and intelligence about the nefarious activities of the insurgents,” while also urging the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) “to provide urgent humanitarian relief to displaced persons and families of victims in Benisheikh, Monguno, and surrounding communities.”

Lawmakers also commended “the officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai for their gallantry,” urging the Federal Government to prioritise their welfare, equipment, and combat readiness.

In a related motion, the Senate turned its attention to rising violence in Benue State, particularly the killings in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa Local Government Area.

The motion, sponsored by Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader noted “the recent gruesome killings of several persons… allegedly perpetrated by suspected armed herdsmen,” describing the incident as part of “a disturbing and recurring pattern of violent attacks on rural communities across Benue State.”

Lawmakers said they were “concerned that the persistent insecurity… has created a climate of fear, undermined agricultural activities, and threatened food security in the region,” adding that “the frequency and brutality of these attacks indicate a worsening security situation.”

The Senate emphasised that “the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, and that failure to decisively address these killings erodes public confidence in the State.”

It also highlighted that Benue, regarded as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” remains critical to Nigeria’s agricultural output and food supply.

Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government “to immediately deploy additional security personnel” to affected areas and called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security heads “to intensify coordinated operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and bringing them to justice forthwith.”

The chamber mandated relevant committees “to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recurring attacks in Benue” and recommend sustainable solutions.

It further called on NEMA and other agencies “to provide immediate humanitarian assistance,” while urging the Federal Government to implement “a long-term strategy to address farmer-herder conflicts, including ranching policies, land use reforms, and community conflict resolution mechanisms.”

The Senate also directed “the immediate establishment of a Police Area Command and military base in Apa/Agatu Local Government Areas.

The Senate, however, rejected the prayer that called on Governor Hyacinth Alia “to wake up to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.”

A minute of silence was also observed in honour of the victims of the Benue attacks.