From Attah Ede Makurdi 

Following the spate of banditry attacks on some communities in Benue State, the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, called for a full investigation into the failure of the Nigerian Airforce Base, Makurdi and Joint Military Task Force in the State in responding to the distress calls from Mbaikyor Community, Gwer East Local Government Area of the State, when suspected armed bandits invaded the area and killed about 18 people.

The house said despite other distress calls to security formations and their proximity to the affected areas, nothing was done until innocent people lost their lives.

They also directed the Joint Military Security Task Force stationed in Benue State to initiate full and coordinated security operations, with aerial surveillance and other necessary combat mission plans, to flush out the bandits around Mbaikyor and other banditry camps in the State, so as to allow the farmers to return to their farm lands to continue to ensure adequate food production within a secured environment.

The House equally urged the Federal Government to facilitate the return, resettlement and rehabilitation of the victims of the attack and again urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to as a matter of absolute urgency, send relief materials to Mbaikyor Community of Gwer East Local Government to assuage and alleviate the pains and sufferings of the victims who came under attack on the 7th day of March, 2024.

A statement by Manasseh Menda,

Media Assistant to Arc. Dr. Austin Asema Achado, House of Representatives Member for Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency,

Benue State, said a one minute silent was observed in honour of all those who lost their lives in this dastardly and unwarranted attack by the house members.

He said that the house consequently mandated the House Committee on Defence and Police Affairs to investigate this deplorable condition of the Mbaikyor community and other communities constantly facing these banditry attacks, and report back to the House within four (4) weeks, for further legislative action.

The House resolutions followed from a motion moved by Arc. Dr. Austin Asema Achado, member representing Gwer East/ Gwer West Federal Constituency on the floor of the House entitled “The Need to Address the Banditry Attack on Mbaikyor Community of Gwer East Local Government of Benue State” which was supported by Hon. Regina Akume, the member representing the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency of Benue State, who described the motion as a sympathetic one worthy of urgent attention.