Northern Senators Support Military Expansion After Killings

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu's initiative to expand the Nigerian Army by creating four additional divisions and recruiting 28,000 new personnel. This decision follows violent attacks in Benue and Kaduna states, which resulted in over 40 fatalities, including women and children.

The NSF, led by Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the attacks and expressed condolences to the victims' families and the affected states. Specific incidents included an attack in Efeyi Community, Benue State, on July 28, where 13 people were killed, and another in Naridon Village, Kaduna State, on July 26, which claimed about 30 lives.

The senators believe the military expansion will enhance security, decentralize command, and improve response to threats. However, they stressed that troop increases must be supported by adequate funding, modern equipment, and improved welfare for military personnel to be effective.