The resolution followed a motion moved by the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, titled: "Motion on the Urgent Need to Stop the Gruesome Murder of Inhabitants of Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, and the Fresh Attacks on Ondo Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by Suspected Bandits."
Presenting the motion, Moro lamented the recurring attacks on Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities, which were attacked on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday respectively.
He said the attacks resulted in the killing of 20 people, displacement of residents, destruction of homes and farmlands, and left many others with life-threatening injuries receiving treatment in hospitals.
The Senate Minority Leader noted that the continued attacks on peaceful farming communities posed a serious threat to lives, food security and public safety, stressing that the protection of citizens remained the primary responsibility of government as provided in the 1999 Constitution.
Following the motion, the Senate observed a minute's silence in honour of those killed and condemned the attacks in the strongest terms.
The upper legislative chamber also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and other security agencies to immediately deploy adequate security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju and neighbouring communities to restore peace and prevent further attacks.
The Senate further directed the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a thorough investigation into the attacks, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are prosecuted.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently provide relief materials, including food, medical supplies and shelter, to displaced persons and victims receiving treatment.
In addition, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to engage security agencies on their operational strategies in Benue South and ensure implementation of the Senate's resolutions.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathised with Senator Moro and the people of Benue South over the attacks.
Akpabio said every Nigerian deserved to live in peace and security, expressing confidence that the Senate's resolutions would be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in the affected communities and across the country.
