The Northern Senators Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to equip the military and security agencies with modern weaponry to combat the escalating terrorism and insurgency plaguing Nigeria, following the recent deadly attacks in Benue State that claimed over 100 lives.
In a statement released Wednesday and signed by forum chairman Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the senators condemned the brutal assaults carried out by suspected herdsmen in Benue State, while extending condolences to bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to the injured.
The Northern Senators Forum praised President Tinubu’s visit to the affected areas, describing it as evidence of the government’s commitment to addressing security challenges. However, the lawmakers emphasized that presidential visits must be followed by concrete action.
“We urge the federal government to follow up with concrete actions to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences,” the statement read. “The NSF calls for increased funding for the military and other security agencies to acquire the necessary modern equipment needed to prosecute the war against terrorists and insurgents.”
The senators stressed the importance of enhanced coordination among security agencies, stating: “Furthermore, inter-agency collaboration is crucial; we urge the government to facilitate regular dialogue and coordination among security agencies.”
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing Nigeria’s security crisis, declaring: “The NSF remains committed to working with the government and stakeholders to address security challenges.”
The senators also appealed to citizens to play their part in national security efforts, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility.
The call for action comes as the Senate continues to grapple with the persistent security challenges affecting multiple states across the country. On Tuesday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu expressed the chamber’s frustration with the recurring cycle of violence during a media briefing in Abuja.
Adaramodu revealed that the Senate is growing weary of merely offering condolences after each tragedy, stating that the upper legislative chamber is heartbroken by the ongoing loss of lives across various regions of the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Borno, and Zamfara states.
The latest violence in Benue State represents another devastating chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis, with communities across the Middle Belt and northern regions bearing the brunt of attacks by various armed groups. The Northern Senators Forum’s call for advanced military equipment reflects growing frustration among lawmakers over the persistent security challenges that have defied various government interventions.
The senators’ demand for modern weaponry and improved inter-agency coordination underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackling Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, which have continued to claim hundreds of lives and displace thousands of citizens across the country.
