By Ayomide Otitoju
The Northern Senators Forum has condemned the recent attacks in Benue and Kaduna states that left dozens of people dead and displaced several families.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the forum expressed sadness over the incidents, describing the attacks as a major concern for national security.
The forum said an early morning attack on Efeyi Community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, with several others injured.
It added that another attack on Naridon Village, Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, claimed about 30 lives, including women and children, while several homes were destroyed.
The senators extended their condolences to the governments and people of both states, as well as families affected by the violence, while calling for urgent action to prevent further attacks.
The forum also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of plans to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and recruit an additional 28,000 military personnel, describing the move as a timely step towards improving security operations nationwide.
According to the senators, the expansion would enhance strategic coverage, strengthen military response capabilities and help rebuild public confidence.
However, they stressed the importance of providing adequate equipment, logistics and welfare support to enable security personnel to effectively carry out their duties.
The Northern Senators Forum urged communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information, while calling on the Federal Government to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
The lawmakers also appealed for increased assistance to victims and displaced persons, noting that sustainable peace would require coordinated security efforts, improved intelligence gathering and continued investment in Nigeria’s security system.
