There was angst at the Senate yesterday over the reported killing of 113 people in four separate attacks on communities in Benue State, with the lawmakers demanding urgent security action to stop the bloodshed and prevent further loss of lives.
   
They also expressed grave concern at the killing of six Mobile Police personnel in one of the attacks, questioning the safety of civilians in communities that are increasingly exposed to armed violence.
   
In a motion, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East) said 24 people were killed in an attack on Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Council Area, and a total of 63 in another assault on Bom and Aboajio villages in Ukum Local Council Area.
   
He added that 15 persons, including six Mobile Police officers, were reportedly killed in another attack on Ayilamo in Logo Local Council Area, and a further 11 people were killed on October 8, 2026, when attackers struck Tse Biliji and Tse Shishi Nyako villages in Ukum and also destroyed property.
   
Urging immediate government action, Udende warned that the recurring attacks had also destroyed livelihoods, disrupted farming and other economic activities, and increased the risk of displacement.
   
Udende said deploying military personnel in the affected areas of his constituency would strengthen security and reassure the people of their safety.
   
Supporting the motion, Senator Jide Ipinshagba wondered what could become of unarmed civilians if security personnel are being killed. According to him, the reported killing of security personnel raised serious questions about the safety of ordinary residents who depend on the police and military for protection.
   
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the federal government to take immediate steps to halt further attacks in Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo councils, as well as other vulnerable communities across Benue State.
   
They further 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, deploy 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 prosecution of those found responsible.

Stating that security agencies must strengthen preventive operations instead of only responding after communities have suffered casualties.
   
Meanwhile, the Senate expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the attacks, including the destroyed homes, lost livelihoods and the displacement of residents.
   
To that end, 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.
   
In his closing remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directed the Senate Committee on Security and Intelligence to work with relevant agencies to identify measures to strengthen security operations and personnel deployment.