Senate condemns Yelewata attack, seeks troop deployment in Benue

The senate has implored the federal government to deploy more troops in Benue state following the attack in Yelewata, a community in Guma LGA.

The resolution followed a motion by Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, during plenary on Wednesday.

Zam described the attack as an “unprecedented genocidal massacre” executed by suspected terrorists.

The lawmaker emphasised the need for the federal government to deploy more troops to Yelewata and other affected communities in Benue state to restore law and order.

He said the killings, which occurred on June 14, targeted innocent civilians, including women and children, and were carried out with impunity.

“The survivors and rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, described the attacks as well-coordinated and executed without fear of consequences,” he said.

Zam expressed concern that the Yelawata attack followed a pattern of “targeted” killings and displacement, referencing attacks in Aondoana and Naka in Gwer west LGA that left 50 people dead within a month.

He criticised the “delay” in response by security agencies, which he said could have mitigated the loss of lives and property.

Zam, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for his “swift” intervention, including his visit to Benue, directive to NEMA to release relief materials, and orders for an investigation into the incident.

Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, described the killings as “pure terrorism” and said the perpetrators cannot be allowed to disappear without any trace.

“There is no way 200 people will just perish at a go, and the perpetrators will just vanish. Are they angels?” he asked.

While he commended the president for visiting Benue, Ningi said Tinubu should have gone directly to Yelewata.

Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, called for increased support for security agencies to unravel those behind the attack.

Asuquo Ekpeyong, senator representing Cross River south, said it was important to uncover the root cause.

“We must now focus on proactive steps instead of corrective steps. That is the only way we can solve this problem sustainably,” he said.

The senate, in its resolutions, commended Tinubu for encouraging the establishment of ranches as a long-term solution to herder-farmer conflicts.

The red chamber also urged security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and called on the federal government to reconstruct destroyed homes, compensate victims, and reinforce security in affected areas.

On June 18, Tinubu visited Makurdi, where he met with Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, security chiefs, and traditional leaders, promising to work with the state to restore peace.