Senate urges FG to establish military base in Benue’s Kwande over rising insecurity Lead

Lawmakers push for military base in Kwande to tackle insecurity

Nigeria’s Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to address escalating insecurity and protect communities affected by repeated attacks. Lawmakers said the move would strengthen security operations, enable displaced residents to return home, and restore stability in the region.

Senate resolution on security in Kwande

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Senator Emmanuel Udende, who represents Benue North-East Senatorial District, during plenary in Abuja.

According to Udende, several communities in Kwande have experienced coordinated attacks by armed groups, resulting in deaths, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement of residents.

Lawmakers therefore urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base along the Ikyurav–Ya–Ukusu axis, which they believe would provide a sustained security presence in the troubled area.

The Senate also called on security agencies to intensify surveillance, conduct coordinated patrols, and deploy additional personnel to affected communities in order to prevent further attacks.

Rising attacks and casualties

During the debate, Udende highlighted recent violent incidents in several communities, including Abande, Awu, Asinuba, and Awapacho, where gunmen reportedly killed multiple residents and forced many families to flee their homes.

He said earlier attacks in February 2026 left nearly 50 people dead, while additional assaults in March triggered fresh panic among already traumatised communities.

Another reported attack on March 10, 2026, allegedly resulted in the killing of at least 11 residents, worsening the humanitarian situation in the area.

Following the motion, senators observed a minute of silence in honour of victims killed in the recent violence.

Call for improved emergency response

Beyond the proposed military base, the Senate also recommended additional measures aimed at improving emergency response capacity in rural communities.

Lawmakers urged telecommunications companies to install communication masts in affected areas, noting that limited network coverage often prevents residents from making distress calls during attacks.

The Senate further called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide humanitarian assistance and relief materials to displaced families across Kwande and neighbouring communities.

Broader security concerns in Nigeria’s Middle Belt

Benue State lies within Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region that has experienced recurring violence linked to armed banditry, communal tensions, and disputes over land and grazing routes.

These conflicts have triggered waves of displacement and placed pressure on local security infrastructure, prompting repeated calls for stronger federal intervention.

Analysts say that establishing permanent military installations in high-risk areas could improve rapid response capabilities and deter attacks on vulnerable rural settlements.

Outlook

The Senate’s resolution underscores growing concern among lawmakers over the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State. If implemented, the proposed military base in Kwande could strengthen security operations and support efforts to stabilise affected communities.

However, analysts note that long-term stability will likely depend on a combination of improved security deployment, humanitarian support, and broader conflict-resolution strategies addressing the root causes of violence in the region.