By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro, on Wednesday raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Benue South Senatorial District, declaring that several communities in the area are under siege by armed attackers.
Moro made the declaration during a personal explanation on the floor of the Senate while drawing attention to the killing of one of his constituents, Mr Ujema Emi, a public health worker, who armed herders reportedly murdered.
According to the senator, the victim was ambushed and killed at the Ubube Road Junction in the Ikobi area, with his head severed and allegedly taken away by the attackers.
“One of my constituents, Ujema Emi, a public health worker, was murdered in cold blood. He was reportedly ambushed, killed and beheaded, while the assailants took away the severed head,” Moro told the Senate.
The lawmaker identified the Ubube Junction axis along the Ikobi-Ulegapa road as one of several locations where armed assailants frequently attack commuters and residents.
He lamented the recurring attacks on communities across the district, saying residents now live in constant fear.
“Benue South is literally under siege,” he declared.
Moro commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in responding to distress calls from affected communities but noted that local security outfits lacked adequate resources to tackle the security challenges effectively.
“It is only the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps that respond to the cries of the people.
“Volunteer guards, Homeland Security personnel and other local security outfits are not sufficiently funded to confront this insecurity proactively,” he said.
The senator also expressed concern about the arrest of a youth leader, Mr Olochi Asailas, whom he described as a key figure in coordinating community security efforts in the Agatu Local Government Area.
According to him, the arrest has weakened local efforts to protect vulnerable communities from attacks.
He urged the Senate leadership and relevant authorities to facilitate the release of those arrested in connection with community defence activities.
Responding to the concerns, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sympathised with the family of the slain constituent and directed the relevant Senate committees to engage security agencies on the matter.
“Our condolences go to the family of the person who was killed. We will refer this matter to the relevant security committees of the Senate to engage the security agencies for appropriate action,” Akpabio said.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the Senate were briefly enlivened by a debate over the traditional regalia worn by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central, who entered the chamber carrying a ceremonial staff following his recent conferment of the traditional title of Papama of the Bachama Kingdom.
The Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, raised a point of order, drawing attention to Senate rules prohibiting the entry of weapons into the chamber.
In response, Ningi explained that the staff was a cultural symbol associated with his traditional title and posed no threat.
“This regalia is not in any way meant to threaten anybody. This regalia is our tradition. There is no weapon in it. It is simply a ceremonial staff and decoration of a traditional title,” he said.
The senator added that his nearly two decades of experience in the National Assembly made him fully aware of the rules governing conduct in the chamber.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele acknowledged the explanation but reminded lawmakers of the need to comply with Senate regulations concerning items brought into the chamber.
Akpabio subsequently ruled that Ningi’s explanation be noted and directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure adherence to the chamber’s rules.
However, when a Sergeant-at-Arms approached him to remove the ceremonial staff from the chamber, Ningi insisted that he would personally take it out himself.
