The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday called for immediate and decisive action to end the wave of killings in Ankpali-Edikwu, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, following renewed violence that claimed several lives.
The motion, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, was raised during plenary and drew lawmakers’ attention to the April 12, 2026 attack allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen in the community.
Senator Moro told the chamber that the killings reflect a disturbing pattern of recurring violence across rural Benue communities, with each incident leaving behind loss of life, destroyed property, and displaced families. 
The Senate expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that persistent attacks have instilled fear among residents and severely disrupted farming activities in a state widely known as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”
Lawmakers warned that the scale and brutality of the attacks raise serious questions about the effectiveness of current security measures, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s primary constitutional duty.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, the Senate called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, pushing for intelligence-driven, proactive, and community-based approaches to combat insecurity.
In its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy additional military and paramilitary personnel to Apa LGA and other flashpoints in Benue to restore law and order.
It further directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies to intensify joint operations to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face justice without delay.
The upper chamber mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the recurring attacks in Benue South and across the state, with a mandate to propose sustainable solutions.
As part of immediate relief, the Senate asked the National Emergency Management Agency and relevant bodies to provide humanitarian aid, including relief materials and medical support, to affected communities. It also called for long-term measures such as ranching policies, land use reforms, and community-based conflict resolution, alongside the establishment of a Police Area Command and military base in Apa and Agatu LGAs. The Senate urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to fulfill his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, before observing a minute of silence in honour of the victims.
