Senate Expresses Frustration Over Benue Killings and Demands Urgent Action
The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong frustration over the continuous killings in Benue, Borno, Plateau, and other parts of the country, saying it is tired of offering repeated condolences while communities are being wiped out.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, Senate Spokesperson and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, described the situation as appalling and heartbreaking. According to him, lawmakers are exhausted from visiting different regions weekly as insecurity worsens.
“We are tired of paying condolence visits. We are tired of mourning our people from Plateau today, Benue tomorrow, and Borno the day after. These senseless killings must stop. Enough is enough,” Adaramodu said, clearly overwhelmed by the recurring violence.
His statement follows the latest attacks in Benue State, where more than 100 people—including women, children, internally displaced persons, and security operatives—were brutally murdered by unknown attackers. The assailants also razed homes and destroyed entire communities, leaving survivors in deep trauma.
In a move to show solidarity and concern, the Senate announced that some lawmakers would accompany President Bola Tinubu on a visit to Benue on Wednesday. The visit aims to calm the people and demonstrate national support for the affected communities.
Senator Adaramodu confirmed, “The Senate will be fully represented. A retinue of senators will join the president on this important visit.”
However, he emphasized that condolence visits are no longer enough. He said the Senate is now pushing for a national security summit that includes not just the military but all critical groups—civil society, youth organizations, media, and traditional rulers—so that the root causes of violence can be addressed holistically.
“It’s not just about the military anymore. This summit must involve everyone. Nigeria cannot afford to normalise this kind of violence,” he added.
While he acknowledged some progress in recent security efforts through legislative engagements, Adaramodu admitted that the worsening attacks in the North Central and North East have overshadowed any achievements.
“The sporadic and increasingly deadly nature of these attacks must be addressed with urgency and national resolve,” he said.
The Senate’s latest outcry reflects the rising anger and concern across Nigeria as insecurity continues to claim innocent lives, particularly in states like Benue, where violence has become almost routine.
