The Nigerian Senate is set to meet again with the country’s top security chiefs next week in Abuja to discuss growing security concerns. The meeting comes amid increasing attacks in different parts of the country, particularly in Benue State, where violent incidents have led to protests and unrest.
Among those expected at the meeting are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar. Other key figures include the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement while addressing a motion concerning the urgent need for military intervention in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State. The motion was sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, in response to repeated attacks that have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
During the discussion, the Senate urged security agencies to act swiftly to restore peace in Gwer-West and other affected areas. It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide aid to displaced residents.
Additionally, lawmakers advised the Benue State Government to fully implement the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to prevent further conflicts. The Senate also directed its committees on Defence, National Security and Intelligence, Livestock Development, and Agriculture to visit Gwer-West for an on-the-ground assessment. The committees are expected to meet with affected families and communities to offer support while working on a legislative solution.
Senator Zam informed the Senate that on March 10, 2025, an attack in Gyaruwa, a community in Gwer-West, resulted in the killing of four people. The incident triggered protests by angry youths who accused authorities of failing to protect them.
“In anger and frustration, the youths set fire to the Gwer-West Local Government Secretariat, the palace of the paramount ruler, my private residence, and the homes of other prominent sons of the area, accusing us of failing to safeguard the community,” Zam stated.
The senator noted that he had previously raised concerns about insecurity in Benue and had sponsored a bill to prohibit open grazing, which is still awaiting a public hearing. He also noted that although the Benue State House of Assembly had already passed a law banning open grazing, the state government had failed to enforce it, leading to further security challenges.
He warned that continued attacks on communities in Benue would harm agricultural activities, affecting food production and worsening economic conditions for local farmers.
