Benue killings: Senate seeks military base in Kwande communities

The Senate on Thursday urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to safely return to their communities.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Emmanuel Udende, the senator representing Benue North East, over the escalating attacks by armed groups across communities in Kwande.

Udende told lawmakers that recent coordinated assaults in the area had left more than 20 residents dead and forced many families to flee their homes.

According to him, “the attackers targeted villages and local markets, causing widespread destruction, displacement and fear among residents who are struggling to rebuild their lives.”

Read also: Court remands nine over Yelwata, Benue killing pending trial

The senator recalled that on February 5, 2026, assailants invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others and destroying homes and other properties.

He said, “nearly 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several residents are still missing as communities continue searching for their loved ones.”

Udende further explained that while residents were still mourning the victims of the earlier attacks, another wave of violence erupted across parts of Kwande in March 2026, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

According to him, “on March 10, 2026, gunmen again invaded some communities, killing about 11 people and triggering panic among already traumatised residents.”

He also noted that an earlier attack on March 5 in the Bachor community resulted in additional deaths and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

Udende warned that intimidation and arrests of local vigilantes by security operatives could weaken cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies.

He added that poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations had continued to hamper rapid response to distress calls.

“Improved security presence and communication facilities will significantly enhance response time and protect lives in these vulnerable rural communities,” he said.

In their contributions, Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) supported the motion.

The Senate thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of those killed in the attacks and adopted all the prayers contained in Udende’s motion.