FIC Report (Benue State) – The Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, welcomed Honourable Members and staff of the House back from recess, marking the commencement of the Second Sitting of the Third Legislative Session of the Tenth Assembly.
Delivering his address during plenary, the Speaker expressed delight at the resumption of legislative activities, commending members for their dedication and resilience. He noted that the break afforded members the opportunity to attend to personal matters and prepare for renewed legislative engagements.
Rt. Hon. Emberga applauded ongoing infrastructural developments across the State, attributing the progress to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to quality roads and modern underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the ongoing construction of the flyover bridge at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi.
“We watched with admiration the road projects and flyover construction ongoing within our state. I appreciate both the State and Federal Governments for their unwavering commitment to delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure to Benue State,” the Speaker stated.
He further informed the House of his participation in the Conference of Northern Speakers Forum held in Kaduna, where constructive engagements were held to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and foster regional development.
While commending the Clerk and staff of the House for ensuring smooth operations during recess, the Speaker charged all committees to intensify oversight on the 2025 Revised Budget in preparation for the expected presentation of the 2026 Budget Estimates.
“As we commence the Second Sitting of the Third Legislative Session, I urge all committees to round off oversight on the 2025 Revised Budget and get ready for the 2026 Budget process,” he added.
During plenary, the House deliberated on a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Whip and Member representing Logo State Constituency, Hon. Jiji Samuel Shimapever, concerning the escalating security crisis in Tombo Council Ward and other parts of Logo Local Government Area due to renewed attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Hon. Shimapever noted that Tombo has faced persistent attacks for over a decade, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of residents. He lamented that recent attacks on October 29 and November 1, 2025, claimed four lives and left many injured.
He disclosed that the November 1 attack targeted community leaders, including former councillor Hon. Peter Atindiga Tsebee, who was killed alongside others after attending a security meeting convened to address the deteriorating situation.
The lawmaker expressed concern that attackers crossing from neighbouring Nasarawa and Taraba States have occupied farmlands, engaged in illegal cultivation, and caused massive deforestation. He further revealed intelligence reports linking the crisis to land grabbing and illegal mining activities aimed at dispossessing indigenous communities of ancestral lands and natural resources.
After extensive deliberation, the House resolved as follows:
- Condemned the continuous killings and attacks in Tombo and other affected communities, calling on government to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property.
- Urged the State Government to direct the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and the Bureau for Special Projects to urgently grade and rehabilitate feeder roads linking affected communities such as Anyibe, Azege, and Awashua to enhance security access.
- Requested the provision of operational motorcycles and logistics support to security agencies to improve response capacity in the area.
- Called for the establishment of security outposts in identified flashpoints to ensure sustained visibility and deterrence.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the State Government to ensure lasting peace, security, and justice for all communities across Benue State.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Center,
Federal Information Center
Makurdi
