Benue Killings: Senate Urges FG to Establish Military Base in Kwande as Attacks Leave Dozens Dead

Nigeria’s Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State following a wave of deadly attacks that have forced residents to flee their homes.

Lawmakers said a permanent military presence in the troubled area would help restore security, protect rural communities and allow displaced residents to safely return.

The resolution was adopted after a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who raised concerns over the escalating violence across several communities in Kwande.

Military base proposed for troubled corridor

The Senate specifically recommended that the proposed military base be located along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor, a route lawmakers described as highly vulnerable to repeated attacks by armed groups.

According to the Senate, the base would ensure constant security patrols and quicker response to distress calls from residents.

Lawmakers also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and conduct coordinated operations across affected communities to prevent further violence.

Call for telecom masts to aid emergency communication

In addition to security measures, the Senate appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the area.

Senators said poor network coverage has made it difficult for residents to alert authorities during attacks, often delaying emergency response.

The chamber also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to families displaced by the violence in Kwande and other affected parts of Benue.

Senators honour victims of recent attacks

During the session, lawmakers observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in recent assaults on communities including Abande, Awu, Asinuba and Awapacho.

Presenting his motion, Udende told the Senate that coordinated attacks by gunmen have left dozens dead and many others missing in recent weeks.

He recalled that on February 5, 2026, armed assailants invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others and destroying homes and property.

According to the senator, about 50 people were reportedly killed during the February attacks, while many others remain missing.

Fresh violence deepens humanitarian crisis

The lawmaker said the violence has continued into March, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Fresh attacks on March 10 reportedly left 11 people dead, while an earlier assault on March 5 in Bachor community also resulted in casualties and widespread destruction.

Udende further told the chamber that about 25 people are still unaccounted for, while several bodies recovered after the attacks remain unidentified.

Concerns over vigilante arrests

The senator also warned that the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives could weaken cooperation between community volunteers and formal security agencies.

He added that poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure and the absence of permanent security formations have slowed response efforts whenever attacks occur in the rural communities.

‘Security situation a national emergency’

Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the situation in Benue as a national emergency that requires immediate government intervention.

Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan also stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s broader security architecture, urging authorities to properly fund and equip security agencies to confront armed groups across the country.