Kwara, Benue attacks: Speaker Abbas calls for more action against killings

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, condemns in strong terms the latest killings in Kwara and Benue States, which have left over a hundred persons dead.

In a Statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Musa Krishi, Tajudeen, expresses concern that innocent citizens keep losing their lives in questionable circumstances, noting that the security agencies must take more decisive action in collaboration with the people for a safe society.

While over 70 people were feared killed during an attack by suspected terrorists on Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night, a separate attack occurred in Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande LGA of Benue State, where bandits reportedly killed scores.

The Speaker, who lamented the deaths and destruction that insecurity has caused Nigeria, called for drastic and concerted efforts by all stakeholders to protect lives and property.

Speaker Abbas described the socio-economic impact of insecurity as immeasurable, stating that both the government and the governed must collaborate to face the nation’s common enemies.

Calling on the security forces to step up their onslaught against criminals, the Speaker noted that President Bola Tinubu, and the National Assembly have continued to give the Armed Forces the needed resources and moral support to secure the country.

Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls while showing empathy to their families.

He sent heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Kwara and Benue States over the killings.

Recall that in recent years, several communities in Baruten and Kaiama local government areas have recorded repeated assaults by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and the destruction of farmlands.

Despite past military operations and assurances of improved security, attacks have continued to resurface, raising concerns that criminal groups are regrouping and exploiting security gaps in the state’s border communities.