The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently provide relief materials to victims of the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State, which left over 200 people dead and thousands displaced.
During plenary on Wednesday, lawmakers unanimously backed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Dickson Tarkighir, who represents Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency. The motion followed the June 14 invasion of Yelwata by armed men wielding sophisticated weapons.
Tarkighir described the situation as a “dire humanitarian crisis” marked by mass displacement, destruction of property, and worsening insecurity.
“The House is aware that similar attacks have occurred regularly within and beyond my constituency, exacerbating insecurity and fear among communities in the region,
“The House is also aware that the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant relief agencies have been called upon to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the affected persons,” he said.
The lawmaker also stressed the need for immediate and coordinated intervention to prevent further bloodshed and support the displaced.
Following the motion, the House urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other pertinent organisations to give survivors immediate relief and medical support.
Additionally, lawmakers decided to form an ad hoc committee to look into violent acts that have occurred in Benue State over the last 15 years and suggest ways to stop them from happening again. The House also ordered its Committee on Interior and Security to visit Guma Local Government Area, Yelwata and other impacted areas, evaluate the damage, and provide recommendations.
In order to bolster security in the volatile region, the House further urged the Federal Government to establish a Forward Operating Base for the Nigerian Army in Yelwata.
The lawmakers also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.