Following attacks that killed four persons, the senate has urged security services to bring peace back to Garuwa, a village in Benue state’s Gwer LGA.
In response to Monday’s violence, irate youths staged rallies and set fire to the residences of notable people, the traditional ruler’s castle, and the local government headquarters.
Titus Zam, the senator for Benue North-West, brought forward a motion in plenary on Wednesday, denouncing the murders and the ensuing devastation.
He asserted that the assailants were dressed as herders and that the act infuriated locals, who blamed the government for not protecting them.
“The peace-loving people of Garuwa community in the aforementioned area of Benue state were invaded by bandits masquerading as herders on Monday, 10th March 2025, resulting in the killings of four persons,” Zam said.
“Yesterday, irate youths took to the streets in protest against the continued killings of the people and the government’s seeming inability to protect them.
“The youths in anger and frustration, burnt down the Gwer West local government secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler of the local government area, my private residence and houses of other prominent sons in the local government area, accusing us of inability to safeguard the community.
“I have on several occasions, moved motions and presented bills on this subject matter, including the bill for open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment, which is awaiting public hearing.”
Seconding the motion, Abba Moro, senate minority leader and lawmaker representing Benue south, also faulted the state government’s response.
“The continued silence and inaction on the part of the government of Benue state is snowballing into the citizens resulting to attacking elected representatives,” he said.
“It is very sad to note, also, that rather than pick up the challenge of preserving lives and properties, the Benue state governor has said the incidents are mere skirmishes.
“In most cases, no statements, no demonstration of empathy has been shown by the government of Benue state.”
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In its resolutions, the senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the ministry of humanitarian affairs to provide relief materials to those displaced by the attacks.
Additionally, the upper chamber’s national security committee was ordered to perform an immediate evaluation of the problem, with a focus on how it affects agricultural and food production.
To stop the continuing violence, the Senate ordered security agencies to send people to the impacted areas and denounced the attacks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on federal and state authorities to take immediate action to put an end to the conflict and reiterated the chamber’s commitment to maintaining peace in Benue.
