By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Kaduna states, describing the incidents as tragic while calling for intensified efforts to bring the perpetrators to book.
The lawmakers expressed their support for the Federal Government’s latest security measures, including the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army and the recruitment of additional personnel, noting that the decision would strengthen the nation’s capacity to tackle mounting security threats.
This position was contained in a condolence message issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.
The development follows separate attacks in Benue and Kaduna states that resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of numerous families.
In Benue State, gunmen reportedly invaded Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, in the early hours of Tuesday, killing 13 people and leaving several others injured. Security forces were subsequently deployed to restore order in the community.
This followed an earlier attack on Sunday, where suspected assailants invaded Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The assault left about 30 people dead, including women and children, while several houses were razed to the ground.
Expressing sympathy with the governments and citizens of the affected states, Yar’Adua assured that the forum stands in solidarity with families who lost loved ones in the violent assaults.
He noted, “The forum also welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening national security.”
The forum recalled that President Bola Tinubu had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel.
According to the Northern Senators Forum, the initiative aims to decentralise military command, strengthen border security, and improve response times to emerging security threats across the country.
“We note that this expansion is a timely step that provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country, and helps restore public confidence,” the statement read.
However, Yar’Adua stressed that the planned expansion must be backed by adequate equipment, logistics, and improved welfare for military personnel to ensure the new formations operate effectively.
“The Forum reiterates that lasting peace is achieved through coordinated security action, better intelligence, and sustained investment in the security architecture,” the statement added.
The lawmakers also appealed to community members to assist security agencies with credible and timely intelligence that could help prevent further attacks.
Furthermore, they urged the Federal Government to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings, while providing adequate relief and support for victims and internally displaced persons.
The latest incidents add to the rising security concerns across parts of northern and central Nigeria, where communities continue to face recurring assaults by armed groups despite ongoing military operations.
On its part, the Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen the country’s security architecture through increased troop deployment, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
