John Ameh, Author at Tribune Online

The Senate, on Wednesday, directed the security operatives to swiftly curb the proliferation of firearms across the country. The directive came on the heels of incessant attacks and killings in Logo Local Government of Benue State by suspected herdsmen. The Red Chamber further directed the Ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, Budget Office and the Nigeria Police Force to provide adequate funds in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Mobile Police Barracks at Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area to guarantee additional security. The Senate also advised the setting up of ranches in each of the local governments across Nigeria with a view to restricting cattle movements. The resolutions came from a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Emmanuel Udende on the continuing wanton killings in Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, Azege and other communities in Logo local Government Area of the Benue-North East Senatorial District. Udende, who moved his motion, using Orders 41 and 51 of the Standing Orders of the Senate, told his colleagues that, "On the first day of December 2024 at Azege in Tombo council Ward of Logo local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen.” The motion reads further, "These attacks, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen, have continued unabated, undermining security, peace and the socio-economic stability of the affected communities. "That between 22nd October 2024 and today, nearly fifty people have been killed, with 15 killed in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin and 6 in Uzer community respectively. "That the continuous insecurity in these areas is in direct contravention of the constitutional provision under section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government." The lawmaker argued that the lack of adequate and timely intervention by security agencies has emboldened the attackers to carry out further heinous attacks. In his contribution, Senator Titus Zam described the killing as a recurring decimal that had wreaked havoc on innocent people of the state and urged the government to act decisively. Contributing to the debate, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim expressed concerns that Nigeria posed the risk of being overwhelmed if it continued to experience food insecurity and insecurity of lives and properties, advising security operatives to rise to the challenge as quickly as possible. For Senator Aliyu Wadada, the paradox remains that, while other nations are working towards technological advancement, "we are killing ourselves, shading blood as if we are killing mosquitoes. And the sad thing is that all efforts are not working, we are religious people and we must act in a Godly manner.” Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, told his colleagues during the debate that the current killings in Benue and across the country should be investigated, alleging that, "when people come, kill and go away, it calls for concerns and I think it should be properly investigated. We need to understand what is happening. We must get to the root of this matter because I don't think it is as simple as we see it.” Senators Sunday Karimi and Victor Umeh both blamed the killings on the inability of authorities to stop open grazing. Umeh recalled how a Catholic priest and worshippers were murdered during worship service in Benue state. While condemning the dastardly act, the Senate further directed the Chief of Defense staff, the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to immediately deploy additional security personnel at resources to the affected areas to restore peace and order. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also directed to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to displaced persons in the affected communities. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (UPDATED) 2025 budget: Senate probes N8.4trn withheld by NNPCL, N3.6trn in taxes