The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to treat worsening insecurity and mass displacement in Kebbi State as a national security and humanitarian emergency.
The resolution followed a motion by Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi South) on deadly bandit attacks that have forced residents to flee and abandon livelihoods amid intensified military operations in neighbouring states.
Aliero said influx of bandits from neighbouring states had triggered killings, displacement and heightened fear across Kebbi communities.
He called on security agencies to intensify coordinated operations and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to the displaced.
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government to provide personnel, logistics and funding to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
It called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, AVM Sunday Aneke, and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen joint operations with intelligence agencies.
The chamber urged deployment of more personnel and equipment, improved surveillance and intelligence gathering to neutralise armed groups, stressing the need for comprehensive response to halt killings and displacement.
It directed NEMA to assess needs of displaced persons and provide food, water, temporary shelter, clothing, bedding, medical supplies and sanitation facilities.
It also urged the federal and Kebbi State governments to set up a joint security and humanitarian response mechanism to coordinate emergency interventions.
The Senate said restoring security must be matched with safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced residents, restoration of essential services, rehabilitation of damaged facilities and recovery of livelihoods.
It further called for thorough investigation into the killings, including three employees of Hitech Construction Company and other victims.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided, sympathised with affected communities and said President Bola Tinubu was committed to restoring peace and assisting displaced residents.