In the wake of the devastating attacks that claimed dozens of lives in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has issued a strong call for decisive national action, warning that condolences alone are no longer enough to halt the rising tide of rural violence.
In a solemn statement signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum mourned the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while also urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that his visit to the affected communities on Tuesday is followed by
“concrete security measures and visible justice.”
“President Tinubu’s visit shows empathy and leadership, but it must not end at the photo-op. What the people of Benue—and indeed all Nigerians—deserve is lasting protection, not repeated mourning,” the statement read.
The Forum, comprising senators from the 19 northern states, emphasized the urgency of equipping Nigeria’s security forces with modern tools, including surveillance technology, advanced weapons systems, and rapid-response infrastructure to match the evolving threats of terrorism, insurgency, and communal
violence.
The lawmakers also pointed to the gaps in coordination among Nigeria’s security agencies, calling for a unified strategy anchored in intelligence-sharing and inter-agency dialogue.
“Our military and security agencies must not operate in silos. We need joint operations, joint intelligence, and joint accountability,” the NSF noted.
The statement reflects mounting frustration among northern legislators who say that rural areas across the country—especially in conflict-prone zones like the Middle Belt—are becoming ungoverned spaces vulnerable to repeated attacks by bandits, armed herders, and other violent actors.
While President Tinubu’s visit has been welcomed as a symbolic gesture of solidarity, videos of schoolchildren drenched in rain during the welcoming parade have sparked online outrage, with critics accusing the state of politicizing grief instead of focusing on the humanitarian and security response.
The NSF called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to authorities, stressing that collective vigilance is key to reversing the trend of insecurity.
“We mourn with Benue today. But we also rise with resolve—that never again should this become normal. That is our duty as a nation,” Senator Yar’adua declared.
The Forum reaffirmed its readiness to support all federal initiatives aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding affected communities, while vowing to hold the executive accountable on the delivery of security promises.
