The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Kaduna states, describing the killings as tragic and calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum expressed sympathy with the governments and people of both states, as well as families who lost loved ones or were displaced by the violence.
According to the statement, 13 people were killed in an early morning attack on Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, while several others sustained injuries. It added that security agencies had since been deployed to restore order.
The senators also cited a separate attack in Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area in Kaduna State, where about 30 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed and several homes destroyed.
“The Forum expresses deep sympathy with the governments and people of both states and with all families affected by the violence,” Senator Yar’Adua said.
The forum welcomed the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel.
It described the move as a timely intervention that would improve strategic security coverage across the country and help restore public confidence.
However, the senators stressed that expanding the military alone would not be enough without adequate funding, equipment, logistics and improved welfare for security personnel.
“The expansion is a timely step that provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country,” the statement said.
The forum also urged communities to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence, while calling on the Federal Government to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks.
It further appealed for adequate humanitarian assistance for victims and displaced persons, maintaining that lasting peace can only be achieved through coordinated security operations, improved intelligence gathering and sustained investment in Nigeria’s security architecture.
