Senate tasks security agencies to probe herdsmen attack on Benue communities

The Senate on Wednesday urged the police and other relevant security agencies in the country to carry out a comprehensive investigation into attacks by herdsmen on Echori and Itakpa communities in Benue state with a view to arresting the perpetrators. 

The call by the Senate was contained in resolutions reached sequel to the adoption of a motion seeking the intervention of the National Assembly. 

Sponsor of the motion, Senator Patrick Abba Moro (PDP / Benue South), expressed concern over the twin attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen on two communities of Echori and Itakpa of Obi Local Government Area of Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State on May 10 and June 1, respectively.

According to him, a total of 11 persons were killed during the attacks on both communities.

The senator disclosed the names of those killed as Innocent Joseph, Tony Ogbu Alapa, Christian Abe Igo, Sunday Atubu, Stephen Okwute, Okwu Joseph, Ogo Imuila Ogbu and Friday Adekpe Ola.

Others are Cecilia Onah, Onah Ogaga, AKA Orisha, Linus Udor, Sunday Okarike and Enokela Ameh. 

Sen. Moro expressed sadness that “this is one in a series of attacks and kidnappings carried out by the herdsmen in communities in Benue South Senatorial District leaving in their wake loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.”

Accordingly, the Senate after observing a minute silence in honour of the deceased persons urged the federal government to mount surveillance at the affected areas to proactively detect and deter future attacks. 

It also urged the police and security agencies to as a matter of urgency, review their operational mechanism with a view to being more proactive. 

Also, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately mobilize relief materials to those displaced by the recent attacks in Echori and Itakpa communities. 

The Senate also on Wednesday received a request for the confirmation of Suleiman Sani as career ambassador-designate for the Federal Capital Territory. 

The President’s request was contained in a letter read on the floor by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter reads: “In accordance to Section 171(1)(2)(c) and sub-section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Suleiman Sani as career ambassador-designate for the FCT.”

In another letter, the President also requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of 41 non- career ambassadors-designate. 

In a related development, President Buhari requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Usman Mahmoud Hassan as commissioner representing Kaduna state in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). 

The President while relying on Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, also sought the confirmation of another nominee, Idahagbon Williams Omoregie Henry, as commissioner representing Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states in the Federal Civil Service Commission.