The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a permanent military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State amid a surge in deadly attacks that have claimed numerous lives and displaced many residents.
The resolution was adopted on Thursday following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East.
Udende highlighted the escalating violence in communities across Kwande, including recent coordinated assaults that left over 20 people dead in one wave alone, with additional killings reported in early March such as about 11 deaths on March 10 and casualties in Bachor community on March 5.
Earlier in February 2026, gunmen reportedly killed around 50 people in attacks on settlements, destroying homes and property while leaving others missing or unidentified.
The Senate specifically recommended siting the military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu corridor to ensure a sustained security presence in the vulnerable rural areas.
Lawmakers argued that the lack of permanent security formations, combined with poor road networks and limited communication infrastructure, has severely hampered rapid responses to distress calls and allowed attackers to operate with impunity.
In addition to the base, the upper chamber urged security agencies to ramp up surveillance, conduct coordinated patrols, and launch proactive operations to deter further violence.
Senators also appealed to telecommunications companies to install communication masts in the region, enabling residents to seek help during emergencies.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was directed to provide immediate relief materials and humanitarian support to affected families in Kwande and other parts of Benue.During the plenary session, senators observed a one-minute silence in memory of victims killed in communities such as Abande, Awu, Asinuba, and Awapacho.
Seconding the motion, Senator Osita Izunaso described the security situation in Benue as a national emergency demanding swift intervention.
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan emphasized the need for better funding, logistics, and overall strengthening of Nigeria's security architecture to confront armed groups effectively.
The Senate cautioned against actions that could strain community relations, noting concerns over the arrest and harassment of local vigilantes by security operatives, which might undermine collaboration in fighting insecurity.
This call comes as persistent attacks often linked to armed groups and herdsmen-farmer clashes continue to fuel a humanitarian crisis in the state, displacing families and threatening livelihoods in rural areas.
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