Senators representing Nigeria’s 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks in Benue and Kaduna states, describing the killings as a national tragedy that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Speaking through the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), the lawmakers expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and the displacement of families following separate attacks that left dozens of people dead in the two states.
The forum’s chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, extended condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Kaduna, as well as the families of those who lost loved ones. The senators also wished those injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.
According to the lawmakers, at least 13 people were killed in an attack on Efeyi Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, while another assault in Kaduna State’s Kauru Local Government Area reportedly claimed around 30 lives, including women and children. Several homes were also destroyed, forcing many residents to flee.
The senators called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence gathering and sustained investment in Nigeria’s security institutions to curb the growing wave of violence affecting several parts of the country.
The forum also endorsed the Federal Government’s recent decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 military personnel. The lawmakers said the move would strengthen the country’s security architecture by improving operational capacity, decentralising military command structures and enhancing border protection.
However, they stressed that increasing troop numbers alone would not solve the country’s security challenges. They urged the government to provide adequate funding, modern equipment, reliable logistics and improved welfare packages for military personnel to ensure the success of the expanded security operations.
The senators further appealed to communities across the country to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could help prevent future attacks.
They also called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted, while victims and displaced persons receive immediate humanitarian assistance and adequate support.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace and national stability, the Northern Senators Forum said lasting security can only be achieved through coordinated military operations, effective intelligence sharing and sustained investment in the institutions responsible for protecting Nigerians.
