The Nigerian Senate has voiced strong concern over the ongoing killings in Benue State, pledging intensified efforts to halt the violence and support affected communities.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, June 17, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stressed the need for a collective, sustainable approach to ending the crisis.
“We are tired of paying condolence visits. We must put a stop to the killings. That’s why collaboration from everyone, federal, state, security agencies, and most importantly, the locals is essential to find a lasting solution,” Adaramodu said.
He disclosed that the Senate would send a delegation to Benue to sympathise with victims and engage with stakeholders directly on the ground.
Adaramodu welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to the state, saying it would boost ongoing peace efforts.
“With the visit of Mr. President tomorrow, it will make great mileage,” he stated.
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He reiterated the Senate’s call for a national security dialogue, noting that the upcoming security summit was in response to that call.
“When we hold the security summit, if there is any problem that is unknown, we will then know it.
“We have done enough appropriation that can aid the performance of the security agencies. Nobody can say that the engagements we have had have not yielded results,” Adaramodu said.
On public concerns over legislative activity, he clarified that the Senate frequently surpasses the constitutional requirement of 181 sitting days per year.
“There are months we don’t take any holiday at all, aside from statutory holidays observed globally. Out of 365 days in a year, we sit for more than the mandated plenary days,” he said.
Adaramodu also defended recent probes by Senate committees, explaining that some outcomes are not disclosed publicly when agencies meet legislative expectations.