Senate Calls for Military Base in Benue's Kwande Communities

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, urged the federal government to establish a military base in Kwande communities, Benue State, to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to return safely. This motion was raised by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue Northeast, in response to escalating terrorist attacks in the region.

Recent coordinated assaults in Kwande Local Government Area have left 20 residents dead and forced families to flee, creating widespread destruction and fear among the population. The Senate recalled a previous attack on February 5, 2026, where several residents were killed, and many others were injured, with nearly 50 reported dead.

The humanitarian crisis worsened with another attack on March 10, 2026, resulting in the deaths of eleven people. The Senate emphasized the need for a permanent security presence to improve response times to distress calls and protect vulnerable rural communities.

Senators Osita Izunaso, Ahmad Lawan, and Adam Oshiomhole supported the motion, which concluded with a moment of silence for the victims.