By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the recent killings in Benue and Kaduna states, while endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army with four additional divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The lawmakers said the latest bloodshed, which has claimed more than 40 lives across the two states within days, highlights the urgent need for a more coordinated and better-equipped security response to halt the recurring violence ravaging parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum described the killings as tragic and unacceptable, extending condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Kaduna states as well as families affected by the violence.
According to the forum, at least 13 residents were killed when gunmen invaded Efeyi Community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on July 28, while about 30 persons, including women and children, lost their lives during an earlier raid on Naridon Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The senators said the repeated assaults on innocent citizens reinforce the need for sustained reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and stronger operational capacity for security agencies.
Backing the Federal Government’s latest military initiative, the forum described Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel as a strategic intervention capable of improving the military’s operational reach and response to emerging security threats.
“The expansion is a timely intervention that will decentralise military command, improve border security and enhance response time to emerging threats across the country.”
The lawmakers, however, cautioned that the planned expansion would only achieve its objectives if matched with adequate funding, modern equipment, efficient logistics and improved welfare for officers and soldiers.
They urged the Federal Government to ensure that the new divisions are fully equipped and adequately supported to combat terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes effectively.
*Seek killers’ prosecution as Benue, Kaduna death toll exceeds 40
The senators also insisted that those responsible for the Benue and Kaduna killings must be swiftly brought to justice, stressing that ending impunity is critical to restoring public confidence in the country’s security system.
“Those responsible for these heinous killings must be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted, while affected communities and displaced families receive adequate humanitarian support.”
The forum appealed to Nigerians to complement the efforts of security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing future incidents, noting that intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective tools in tackling insecurity.
It maintained that lasting peace would require stronger collaboration among security agencies, local communities and government at all levels, alongside sustained investment in security infrastructure and intelligence-driven operations.
The senators added that protecting the lives and property of Nigerians must remain the nation’s foremost priority, urging authorities to sustain decisive action against criminal groups threatening peace and stability across the country.
