FIC Report (Benue State) – The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the deployment of 28,000 additional military personnel to support ongoing security operations in Benue State in a bid to curb the persistent security challenges in the state.
The disclosure was made by the member representing Apa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Abu Umoru, during plenary on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Assembly Complex in Makurdi.
Hon. Umoru explained that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made this known during a security courtesy visit to the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, at the Government House in Makurdi.
The lawmaker made the disclosure while reacting to a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Kwande East State Constituency, Hon. Samuel Anyor Matu, on the recent violent attacks on communities in Kwande Local Government Area.
Earlier, Hon. Matu informed the House that between February 4 and 6, 2026, armed Fulani militia attacked Nyiihemba, Anwase and Abande communities in Kwande Local Government Area, resulting in the death of two policemen and thirteen unarmed civilians.
He further stated that the attacks displaced thousands of residents from their ancestral homes, forcing many to seek refuge in other parts of the local government area.
Hon. Matu also informed the House that Governor Alia visited the affected communities on February 10, 2026, to assess the extent of the damage and commiserate with victims and their families.
During the visit, the Governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining the fight against insecurity in Benue State and ordered the immediate construction of an access road linking Nyiihemba, Anwase and Abande communities to improve accessibility and facilitate security response.
The Governor also directed the installation of a transformer in Jato-Aka as well as the provision of communication network facilities in the affected areas to enhance connectivity and enable residents to easily reach security agencies during emergencies.
Following deliberations on the motion, the House strongly condemned the continued killing of innocent civilians in Kwande and other parts of Benue State by armed militia, describing the acts as a violation of the fundamental right to life.
The lawmakers also commended Governor Alia for his prompt intervention and proactive measures aimed at addressing the security situation in the affected communities.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Alfred Emberga, directed the Clerk of the House to write to the Director-General of Homeland Security to ensure that security personnel are stationed in Ikyo-Awen and Shikaan communities in Kwande Local Government Area to strengthen security presence in the area.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all efforts by both the Federal and State Governments to restore peace and protect lives and property across Benue State.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
