FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has summoned key security officials to appear before its leadership on Friday, March 14, 2025, to address the rising insecurity in the state. The officials summoned include the Special Adviser to the Governor on External Security, Col. Alexander Ashungyu (Rtd); Special Adviser on Internal Security, Joe Har; Director General of the Benue Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd); and the Commandant of the Benue Civil Protection Guards, Captain Ajobi Ayuma (Rtd).
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, made this announcement during plenary on Thursday, March 13th,2025. The security officials are expected to brief the House on the ongoing killings and the measures taken to address the situation.
The House strongly condemned the attacks on innocent citizens by armed herdsmen and also denounced the violent protests in Naka, which led to the destruction of valuable properties.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, representing Katsina-Ala West State Constituency. He informed the House of renewed attacks in communities such as Imande-Gbehuwar in Mbagena Kpaav, Dikpo, and Mbasende in Tiir and Michie Council Wards of Katsina-Ala Local Government. He also highlighted attacks in Gwer West Local Government Area, where numerous lives and properties were lost.
Hon. Ipusu further noted that the reaction of enraged residents in Naka resulted in the burning of the Local Government Headquarters, the residence of Ter Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, and properties belonging to other prominent individuals. He urged the House to summon security heads to address the situation urgently.
Seconding the motion, Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Michael Audu expressed concern over the increasing attacks by herdsmen, warning that if not curbed, the crisis could lead to a breakdown of law and order, food insecurity, and mass displacement of communities.
In another development, the House announced new appointments within its leadership. Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako was named the new Minority Whip, while Hon. Moses Egbodo was appointed Deputy Minority Whip. These changes follow the suspension of former Minority Whip, Hon. Barr. William Ortyom, and former Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Blessed Onah.
Signed
Veronica Azemba
For Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
