The Cross River State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the continued killings in Benue State, allegedly perpetrated by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The house further called on the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.

Speaking to journalists at the Assembly complex in Calabar, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence in Benue, particularly the recent massacre in Yelwata village, where over 200 lives were reportedly lost.

He noted that the time has come for the Federal Government to take firm action against what he termed “indiscriminate and senseless killings.”

The speaker also emphasised the need for the creation of state police as a proactive measure to curb rising insecurity across the country.

“As speaker of the 10th Assembly, I strongly advocate for the establishment of state police. If the need arises, we are ready to support legislation that will bring this into effect,” he said.

Ayambem further called for a review and amendment of existing mining laws, pointing to the unregulated activities of illegal miners who often clash with host communities.

He argued that the current legal framework allows for an influx of undocumented individuals into local communities under the guise of holding federal mining licenses, which exacerbates security challenges.

Earlier during plenary, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the recent Benue attacks.