Nigerian Senate Demands Security Deployment After Benue Bandit Attacks

The Senate of Nigeria called for the immediate deployment of security personnel to Akpachi-Ugboju, Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo Ugboju, and surrounding communities in Benue State following suspected bandit attacks that killed at least 20 people. The violence, which occurred between the previous Friday and July 14, 2026, involved widespread killings and property destruction in the Otukpo Local Government Area.

Following a motion sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, the chamber mandated the Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to investigate the attacks and restore order. There were conflicting reports regarding the identity of the Inspector-General of Police, with sources naming either Tunji Disu or Kayode Egbetokun.

To address the humanitarian crisis, the Senate urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide food, medical supplies, and shelter to displaced victims. Senator Moro criticized the Benue State Government for focusing on post-attack relief rather than prevention. He further argued that creating state police would not resolve the insecurity due to funding shortages and the potential for political abuse.