The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the recent attacks in Benue and Kaduna states that left dozens of people dead, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
The forum also expressed support for the Federal Government’s plan to expand the Nigerian Army and recruit additional personnel, saying the initiative could improve the country’s capacity to respond to security threats.
The Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, disclosed this in a condolence statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
The statement followed two separate attacks in the affected states, which resulted in fatalities, injuries and the displacement of residents.
In Benue State, suspected gunmen reportedly attacked Efeyi community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, in the early hours of Tuesday, killing 13 people and injuring others.
Similarly, an attack on Naridon village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday reportedly claimed about 30 lives, including women and children, while several houses were destroyed.
Yar’Adua expressed the forum’s sympathy to the governments and people of Benue and Kaduna states, particularly the families who lost loved ones.
He said, “The forum also welcomed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to strengthening national security.”
The senators noted that President Bola Tinubu had approved plans to increase the number of Nigerian Army divisions from eight to 12, in addition to the recruitment of 28,000 new military personnel.
According to the forum, the expansion is expected to improve military command structures, enhance border security and facilitate faster responses to emerging threats.
The statement said, “We note that this expansion is a timely step that provides more strategic coverage and operational support across the country, and helps restore public confidence.”
However, the forum stressed that the expansion would only achieve its objectives if the new formations were provided with adequate equipment, logistics and improved welfare for military personnel.
The senators also appealed to members of the public to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in preventing attacks and apprehending criminal elements.
They urged the Federal Government to ensure that those behind the killings were swiftly arrested and prosecuted, while calling for adequate assistance for victims and internally displaced persons.
“The Forum reiterates that lasting peace is achieved through coordinated security action, better intelligence, and sustained investment in the security architecture,” the statement added.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over the persistent security challenges confronting communities in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups continue despite ongoing security operations.
