By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently provide relief materials to families displaced by the recent attacks on Yelwata community in Benue State by unidentified gunmen.
The call was made during Wednesday’s plenary following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Dickson Tarkighir, the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker revealed that over 200 people were killed in the June 14 invasion, during which armed assailants attacked the community with sophisticated weapons.
Thousands of residents were displaced, leading to a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread hardship.
Tarkighir noted that such attacks have become frequent within and around his constituency, aggravating insecurity and instilling fear among communities in the region.
He emphasized the need for the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities from further assaults.
He stated that the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant humanitarian bodies had been alerted to provide urgent assistance to the victims.
He expressed concern that the scale of the crisis demanded an immediate and well-coordinated response to prevent further bloodshed and to adequately support those affected.
He also warned that any delay or failure to implement comprehensive security measures could escalate the violence and worsen the already dire situation.
The motion received overwhelming support from the House when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary.
The House called on NEMA, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and other relevant agencies to immediately provide relief materials and medical assistance to displaced persons and victims of the attacks.
It also directed the Committee on Interior and the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to visit Yelwata and other affected communities in Guma Local Government Area to assess the situation on ground and report back with recommendations.
Additionally, the House resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate recurring violent attacks in Benue State over the past 15 years and develop actionable recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
The lawmakers also directed the Federal Government to establish a Forward Operating Base for the Nigerian Army in Yelwata to enhance security and forestall further attacks on the border community.
