The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently intensify military operations to stop the escalating wave of killings in parts of Benue State.
The lawmakers raised the alarm during plenary following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor. The motion drew attention to the continued attacks on several communities in the area by armed groups.
While presenting the motion, Ugbor described the situation as a serious security crisis, noting that coordinated attacks by armed mercenaries and bandits had led to the deaths of several residents, destruction of homes and widespread displacement of communities.
He cited several recent incidents, including attacks on Abande and Anwase communities in the Turan District on February 3, 2026, where at least 17 people, including a mobile police officer, were killed, while many others sustained injuries.
According to the lawmaker, additional assaults were also recorded in Anem and Tomataan communities in Ikyurav-Ya, as well as parts of Ikyov in Ushongo Local Government Area, leaving residents living in fear. Another deadly attack on March 5, 2026, reportedly claimed 16 lives in Mbaav and Mbachoon communities, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the area.
Ugbor revealed that during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities, a full battalion of the Nigerian Army had already been deployed to the region but appeared to be facing operational challenges that limited their ability to respond effectively to the attacks.
He also raised concerns about the porous Nigeria–Cameroon border, which he said allows armed groups to easily move in and out of the area while using remote locations as safe havens.
Following deliberations, the House urged the military and other security agencies to urgently strengthen operations in the affected communities and ensure that residents are protected from further attacks.
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket” due to its large agricultural output, has experienced recurring violence in recent years linked to banditry, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts, leading to repeated displacement of rural populations and growing security concerns in the region.
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