The Nigerian Senate has expressed serious concern over the continued killings in Benue State, declaring that it is actively working to tackle the surge in insecurity across the troubled region.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Tuesday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized the urgency of collaborative and sustained interventions to end the bloodshed.
Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate, in coordination with the executive arm of government, plans to send a delegation of senators to the affected communities in Benue. The mission is aimed at offering condolences to the victims and engaging with key stakeholders on the ground to foster dialogue and solutions.
“We are tired of paying condolence visits. We must put a stop to the killings. That’s why collaboration from everyone, federal, state, security agencies, and most importantly, the locals is essential to find a lasting solution,” he stated.
The Senate also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state on Wednesday, describing it as a timely move that would significantly boost the efforts already in motion to restore peace and security.
“With the visit of Mr. President tomorrow, it will make great mileage,” Adaramodu noted, indicating the symbolic and practical value of the president’s presence in a region that has witnessed recurring violence.
In reference to the Senate’s previous call for a national dialogue on security, Adaramodu reiterated that a comprehensive summit on security remains a critical next step in confronting Nigeria’s widespread security challenges.
“When we hold the security summit, if there is any problem that is unknown, we will then know it,” he explained. “We have done enough appropriation that can aid the performance of the security agencies. Nobody can say that the engagements we have had have not yielded results.”
In a separate comment addressing concerns over legislative productivity, the Senate spokesman dispelled public notions that lawmakers sit infrequently. He clarified that the Senate often exceeds its constitutional obligation of 181 plenary days annually.
“There are months we don’t take any holiday at all, aside from statutory holidays observed globally. Out of 365 days in a year, we sit for more than the mandated plenary days,” Adaramodu affirmed.
On the issue of oversight and investigations carried out by Senate committees, he defended the body’s discretion in handling probe outcomes. Adaramodu noted that not every finding is made public, especially in instances where agencies have satisfactorily addressed the Senate’s concerns.
He insisted that transparency and effectiveness guide the Senate’s engagements and stressed that behind-the-scenes results often contribute just as much to national governance as those in the public eye.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, especially in states like Benue, the Senate’s renewed commitment and coordinated action signal a turning point in legislative involvement in restoring peace to affected regions.
What you should know
The Senate has condemned the wave of killings in Benue State and announced plans for a high-level visit to the affected areas.
Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized unity among federal, state, and local actors to end the violence, while President Tinubu’s visit is expected to reinforce these efforts. A national security summit is also being organized to further address Nigeria’s broader insecurity challenges.
