Kwara, Benue Attacks: Speaker Abbas Calls For Stronger Action Against Killings
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has condemned in strong terms the latest attacks in Kwara and Benue States, which reportedly claimed the lives of over 100 persons, describing the incidents as senseless and deeply troubling.
Speaker Abbas expressed grave concern over the continued loss of innocent lives in violent and questionable circumstances, stressing that security agencies must take more decisive and proactive steps, in collaboration with local communities, to restore safety and protect citizens.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on February 5, 2026, and signed by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
In the statement, the Speaker also provided context to the latest attacks, noting that insecurity in both states is not new. Kwara State, historically considered relatively peaceful, has seen a rise in banditry and cross-border armed incursions over the past few years, with hundreds killed and abducted in rural communities such as Kaiama and Baruten LGAs.
Similarly, Benue State has long grappled with farmer, herder conflicts and recurring attacks on communities in its Middle Belt region, including the tragic massacres in areas like Otukpo and Kwande LGAs, which have left scores dead and displaced thousands. These ongoing patterns of violence underscore the urgent need for stronger security responses.
According to the statement, over 70 persons were feared killed when suspected terrorists attacked Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night. In a separate incident, bandits reportedly stormed Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, killing scores of residents.
Lamenting the scale of deaths and destruction caused by insecurity across the country, the Speaker called for drastic and concerted efforts by all stakeholders to safeguard lives and property, noting that the socio-economic impact of insecurity on the nation remains immeasurable.
Speaker Abbas emphasised that both government and citizens must work together to confront Nigeria’s common enemies, urging security forces to intensify their onslaught against criminal elements threatening peace and stability.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside the National Assembly, has continued to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary resources and moral support to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The Speaker prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and expressed deep sympathy to their families, while extending heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Kwara and Benue States over the tragic killings.