THE Senate has issued an urgent call for the Federal Government to deploy heavy security personnel to communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State following a brutal wave of attacks that have left at least 20 people dead and triggered a humanitarian crisis.
Wave of Violence
The resolution followed a motion on a matter of urgent public importance, sponsored by Senator Abba Patrick Moro, who represents the Benue South Senatorial District . Senator Moro informed his colleagues that the affected communities had come under sudden, unprovoked assaults by suspected armed bandits between Friday, Sunday of last week, and Tuesday this week.
The weekend attacks resulted in the deaths of two persons in Akpachi-Ugboju and 16 persons in Otukpo-Nobi, bringing the total number of fatalities to 18. Senator Moro further revealed that another coordinated attack on Ondo Ugboju on July 14, 2026, claimed two more lives.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the tragic loss of life, many residents have sustained life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, with the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo reportedly treating around 20 victims with gunshot wounds . Properties and farmlands have been destroyed, forcing survivors to flee their ancestral homes.
Senator Moro expressed grave concern that “the relentless and audacious nature of these attacks suggest a deliberate attempt to decimate these communities.” He warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could degenerate into a complete breakdown of law and order and trigger a food crisis as farmers abandon their farmlands out of fear.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Moro reminded the Senate that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of citizens.
Senate Resolutions
Following deliberations, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the 20 innocent citizens killed in the attacks . The chamber condemned in the strongest terms the killings and destruction of properties by suspected bandits in Ugboju and Otukpo districts.
The Senate urged the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and other security agencies to immediately deploy personnel to the affected communities to restore normalcy and prevent further attacks.
Additionally, the Senate mandated the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation into the attacks, track down the perpetrators, and ensure they are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
To address the humanitarian impact, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to urgently mobilise relief materials including food, medical supplies and shelter for displaced persons and the injured.
Furthermore, the Senate mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Defence, and National Security and Intelligence to interface with heads of security agencies to evaluate operational strategies in Benue South and ensure compliance with the resolutions.
Agricultural Crisis Looms
The fresh attacks have heightened tension in Otukpo LGA, a predominantly agrarian area where residents say insecurity is making farming increasingly difficult. Senator Moro warned that the situation poses a serious threat to food security in a region often described as Nigeria’s “Food Basket”.
This story is developing. Stonix News will provide updates as further information becomes available.
