The Benue State House of Assembly has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the deadly attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
The resolution was reached on Tuesday after adopting a Motion of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by the member representing Katsina-Ala East State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Jonathan Agbidyeh.
Hon. Agbidyeh told the House that Katsina-Ala LGA had continued to witness coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira. The latest assault on July 1 killed about nine residents and injured over 20 others.
The lawmaker warned that the repeated attacks appeared to be a deliberate attempt to intimidate local communities and occupy parts of Benue State.
Seconding the motion, Hon. Peter Ipusu (Katsina-Ala West) commended Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Council Chairman for their prompt intervention.
The House, through Speaker Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, unequivocally condemned the barbaric attack and resolved to call on the Federal and Benue State Governments to intensify efforts toward protecting lives and property while ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice.
Lawmakers also urged the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide urgent relief materials to victims and directed security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven operations.
