By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Senate has called for immediate and decisive action to address the recent killings in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, following a motion sponsored by the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
On Wednesday in Abuja, the upper legislative chamber, while deliberating on the motion, condemned the April 12, 2026 attack in which several residents were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen, describing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of violence across rural communities in Benue State.
Lawmakers expressed grave concern over the recurring attacks, noting that the persistent insecurity in Apa and other parts of the state has led to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property. The Senate warned that the situation is undermining agricultural activities and threatening food security in a state widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”
The chamber further observed that the increasing frequency and brutality of the attacks point to a worsening security situation, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. It stressed that the primary responsibility of government is to protect lives and property, warning that failure to do so erodes public confidence.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, the Senate emphasized the need to overhaul the nation’s security architecture, advocating for more proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-based approaches to tackling insecurity.
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional military and paramilitary personnel to affected areas in Benue State to restore law and order. It also called on the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and other security heads to intensify coordinated operations to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
The Senate mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recurring violence in Benue South and the wider state, with a view to recommending sustainable solutions.
In addition, the lawmakers directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including relief materials and medical support, to affected communities.
The chamber also called for the development of a long-term strategy to address farmer-herder conflicts, including the implementation of ranching policies, land use reforms, and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms.
As part of measures to strengthen security presence, the Senate urged the immediate establishment of a Police Area Command and a military base in Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas, alongside increased funding for security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
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Lawmakers also called on Hyacinth Alia to fulfill his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property in the state.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the Ankpali-Edikwu attack.
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