The Senate has raised the alarm over the reported killing of 113 people in four separate attacks on communities in Benue State, demanding urgent security action to stop the bloodshed and prevent further loss of lives.

The lawmakers expressed grave concern over the killing of six Mobile Police personnel in one of the attacks, questioning the safety of civilians in communities increasingly exposed to armed violence.

The concern was captured by Senator Jide Ipinshagba, who asked a troubling question while seconding a motion on the killings: “If the security personnel are being killed, what happens to the civilians?”

The motion, sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, detailed attacks in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.

Udende said 24 people were reportedly killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala, while another assault on Bom and Aboajio villages in Mbazun Council Ward, Ukum, claimed 63 lives.
The two attacks accounted for 87 deaths, according to the motion, and occurred during the Senate recess.

Another attack at Ayilamo in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area, reportedly left 15 people dead, including six Mobile Police personnel.

The motion further stated that 11 people were killed on Thursday, October 8, 2026, when attackers struck Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako villages in Mbatian Council Ward, Ukum, destroying property.

The four attacks brought the reported death toll to 113, leaving families bereaved and communities fearful of further violence.

Udende warned that the recurring attacks had disrupted farming and other economic activities, destroyed livelihoods and increased the risk of displacement.

He urged the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to take immediate and coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities and restore peace.

The senator stressed that protecting lives and property was a fundamental responsibility of government and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

‘What happens to civilians?’
Ipinshagba said the reported killing of security personnel raised serious questions about the safety of ordinary residents who depend on the police and military for protection.

His intervention underscored the vulnerability of rural communities where repeated attacks have heightened fear and disrupted daily life.

Senator Idayat Oluranti Adebule also condemned the killings, expressing condolences to the affected communities and the Nigeria Police Force.

She called for intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and provide humanitarian assistance to families whose homes and livelihoods had been destroyed.

Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to halt further attacks in Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo and other vulnerable communities across Benue State.

The lawmakers called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff and relevant security and intelligence chiefs to strengthen operations in the affected areas.

They demanded adequate personnel, operational resources, effective intelligence gathering and early-warning systems to detect threats before attackers strike.

The Senate also called for rapid-response mechanisms, thorough investigations into the killings and the prosecution of those found responsible.

The lawmakers stressed that security agencies must strengthen preventive operations instead of responding only after communities have suffered casualties.

Victims need urgent relief
Beyond security, the Senate expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the attacks, including destroyed homes, lost livelihoods and the displacement of residents.

It urged the National Emergency Management Agency to work with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant authorities to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to victims.

The Senate observed a minute of silence for those killed and commiserated with the police over the reported deaths of six Mobile Police personnel.

In his closing remarks, the Senate President directed the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to work with relevant agencies to examine the situation and identify measures to strengthen security operations and personnel deployment.

The Senate said coordinated security operations, reliable intelligence and rapid responses to emerging threats were essential to preventing further attacks.

With 113 deaths reported across the four incidents, the lawmakers called for sustained action to protect vulnerable communities, support victims and bring those responsible to justice.