The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to improve security and enable displaced residents to return to their communities.
Lawmakers also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and conduct coordinated patrols in affected areas, particularly along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor, to prevent further attacks.
In addition, the Senate appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the area to help residents make distress calls during emergencies. It also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to victims of attacks in Kwande and other parts of the state.
During plenary, senators observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and neighbouring communities.
The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who raised concerns over rising attacks by armed assailants in the area.
Udende said coordinated attacks since February had left dozens dead, with many residents displaced and several others still missing. He also warned that poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations were hindering rapid response to emergencies.
Supporting the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the situation as a national emergency, while Senator Ahmed Lawan called for stronger funding and logistics for security agencies to tackle armed groups.