Forum calls for justice for victims, stronger security operations and support for displaced communities.
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the recent attacks in Benue and Kaduna states that claimed dozens of lives and displaced several families, calling for swift justice for victims and stronger security interventions across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum expressed deep sympathy with the governments and people of both states and all families affected by the violence.
According to the statement, an early morning attack on Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on July 28 left 13 people dead and several others injured, prompting the deployment of security operatives to restore order.
The forum also referenced a separate attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on July 26, which reportedly claimed about 30 lives, including women and children, and led to the destruction of homes.
The senators described the incidents as tragic and reiterated the need for sustained efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
The forum welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional military personnel, describing the move as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening national security.
According to the lawmakers, the expansion would provide broader strategic coverage, enhance operational effectiveness and help restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
They, however, stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on adequate funding, equipment, logistics and improved welfare for military personnel.
The Northern Senators Forum further called on communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid security operations.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks while providing adequate support for victims and displaced persons.
The forum maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through coordinated security operations, enhanced intelligence gathering and sustained investment in the country’s security infrastructure.