Nigerian Senate calls on Federal Government to set up military outpost in Kwande, Benue, amid rising security concerns

The Nigerian Senate has made a formal request to the Federal Government to set up a military base in Kwande Local Government Area, with the aim of bolstering security and facilitating the safe return of displaced residents to their communities.

The Senate has also urged security agencies to step up surveillance, coordinated patrols, and operations in affected areas to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of citizens.

Lawmakers have specifically called for the establishment of a military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu axis, which would provide a sustained security presence in the troubled communities and help to prevent future attacks.

The Senate has appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the area, enabling residents to make distress calls during emergencies and facilitating a more rapid response from security agencies.

The National Emergency Management Agency has been asked to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families affected by the attacks in Kwande and other parts of Benue State, in order to alleviate their suffering and support their recovery.

A one-minute silence was observed by lawmakers in honour of the victims killed in recent attacks in Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho, and other communities, as a mark of respect and solidarity with the bereaved families.

The Senate's resolutions were prompted by a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who highlighted the escalating attacks in Kwande communities and the need for urgent action to address the security crisis.

Senator Udende presented the motion, revealing that recent coordinated assaults by armed attackers in the local government area had resulted in the deaths of over 20 people and forced many families to flee their homes, with nearly 50 people reportedly killed in the February attacks and several others remaining missing.

According to Senator Udende, gunmen invaded a settlement in the area on February 5, 2026, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying homes and property, while another wave of attacks occurred in March, worsening the humanitarian situation in the area.

Senator Udende noted that on March 10, gunmen reportedly killed about 11 people in renewed assaults, while an earlier attack on March 5 in Bachor community also led to casualties and destruction of property, with several bodies recovered from the attacks remaining unidentified and about 25 persons still missing.

Senator Udende warned that the arrest and intimidation of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies, exacerbating the security challenges in the area.

He also highlighted the challenges posed by poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure, and the absence of permanent security formations, which have continued to hinder rapid response to distress calls in the affected rural communities.

Senator Osita Izunaso seconded the motion, describing the security crisis in Benue as a national emergency that requires urgent government intervention, while Senator Ahmed Lawan stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria's overall security strategy.

Senator Lawan emphasized that security agencies require adequate funding, equipment, and logistical support to effectively tackle the threat posed by armed groups and ensure the safety and security of citizens.