The Nigerian Senate unanimously condemned the recent brutal killings of over 200 civilians in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, alongside the massacre of 12 people in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Red Chamber officially classified the attacks carried out on June 18 and June 21 respectively as acts of terrorism and part of a broader, systematic campaign of violence. Senators demanded immediate and comprehensive federal intervention to halt the ongoing bloodshed that continues to threaten peace and security across the country.
The motion addressing the Yelewata massacre was moved by Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) under matters of urgent national importance during an emotional plenary session. Zam’s heartfelt appeal resonated deeply with colleagues.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and others echoed calls for decisive action, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim advocated for modernizing intelligence gathering and security operations through technology-driven approaches, particularly to bolster rural and hard-to-reach areas.
– Senator Victor Umeh
Anambra Central
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
Ondo South
Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the attacks as emblematic of “state failure” and led the chamber in a one-minute silence to honor the victims.
The Senate passed a resolution with several key demands and recommendations including a call on the Federal Government to deploy more military personnel to Benue State, particularly to Yelewata and other known flashpoints, to prevent further attacks and restore security.