The Senate on Wednesday called for the restriction of cattle movement across the country through the setting up of ranches in each of the 774 local government areas.
The Senate in plenary believes this will curb cases of incessant attacks and killings resulting from farmers/herders clash.
The call is coming on the heels of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende on the killings in Ayilamo, Anyiin, Uzer, Azege and other communities in Logo Local Government Area of the Benue State.
The Senate also directed the security operatives to swiftly curb the proliferation of firearms across the country just as it directed the ministries of National Planning, Police Affairs, Budget Office and the Police Force to ensure adequate funding in the 2025 budget for the construction of the Mobile Police Barracks at Ayilamo in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State to guarantee additional security.
Udende, who brought the motion under 41 and 51 of the standing orders of the Senate, regretted the killing of 18 persons while on their way to church to worship God.
“On the first day of December 2024 at Azege in Tombo council ward of Logo Local Government Area, 18 persons were killed on their way to church service by suspected armed herdsmen.
“These attacks, allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen, have continued unabated, undermining security, peace and the socio-economic stability of the affected communities.
“That between 22nd October 2024 and today, nearly fifty people have been killed, with 15 killed in Ayilamo, 25 in Anyiin and 6 in Uzer communities respectively,” he said.
According to him, the continuous insecurity in these areas is a direct contravention of the constitutional provision under section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Senator Udende argued that lack of adequate and timely intervention by security agencies has emboldened the attackers to carry out further heinous attacks.
Sen.Victor Umeh, OFR blamed the killings on the inability of authorities to stop open grazing.
Senator Umeh recalled how a Catholic priest and worshippers were murdered during worship service in Benue State.
In his contribution, Senator Titus Zam described the killing as recurring decimal that has wreaked massive havoc on innocent people of the state and urged the government to act decisively.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who also contributed to the debate, expressed concerns that Nigeria is at risk of been overwhelmed if it continues to experience food insecurity and insecurity of lives and properties and advised the security operatives to rise to the challenge as quickly as possible.
Senator Aliyu Wadada said it is a paradox that while other nations are working towards technology advancement “we are killing ourselves, shedding blood as if we are killing mosquitoes. The sad thing is that all efforts are not working, we are religious people and we must act in a Godly manner”.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, said the current killings in Benue and other parts of the country should be investigated, alleging that “when people come, kill and go away, it calls for concerns and I think it should be properly investigated. We need to understand what is happening. We must get to the root of this matter because I don’t think it is as simple as we see it”.
While condemning the dastardly act, the Senate further directed the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately deploy additional security personnel to the affected areas to restore peace and order.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also directed to provide immediate relief materials and assistance to displaced persons in the affected communities.