In response to the escalating insecurity in Benue State, the Benue State House of Assembly has summoned key security advisers and officials to provide explanations regarding the ongoing killings and violent attacks across the state.
Those summoned include the Special Adviser to the Governor on External Security, Col. Alexander Ashungyu (Rtd); Special Adviser on Internal Security, Joe Har; Director General of Benue Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd); and the Commandant of Benue Civil Protection Guards, Captain Ajobi Ayuma (Rtd). They are expected to appear before the House leadership on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM to brief lawmakers on the worsening security situation.
Additionally, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Denen Aondoakaa, has been summoned to explain security funding at the local government level.
The House strongly condemned the brutal killings of innocent Benue citizens by suspected armed herdsmen, as well as the mob violence in Naka, where protesters, instead of confronting the attackers, resorted to destroying valuable properties, including the Local Government Headquarters and the residence of Ter Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency. Ipusu detailed recent deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen in Imande-Gbehuwar (Mbagena Kpaav), Dikpo, Mbasende (Tiir and Michie Council Wards) of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, as well as multiple communities in Gwer West LGA, where lives were lost and properties destroyed.
Supporting the motion, Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Michael Audu decried the rising insecurity, warning that if not checked, it could lead to widespread displacement, food shortages, and a breakdown of law and order.
In a separate development, the House received and referred the Auditor General’s reports for Local Government Accounts for 2021 and 2022 to the Rules and Business Committee. The reports were presented by Rt. Hon. Anthony Agom, Chairman, House Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Meanwhile, the House announced the appointment of Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako as Minority Whip and Hon. Moses Egbodo as Deputy Minority Whip, following the suspension of Hon. Barr. William Ortyom and Hon. Blessed Onah from their respective positions.
The Assembly also held a valedictory session in honor of Rt. Hon. Terhemba Chabo, a former member of the Seventh and Eighth Assemblies (2011-2019), who represented Gboko West (Gbemacha) State Constituency.
The House has vowed to take further action to address the security crisis and ensure the protection of Benue residents.
