The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to immediately establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Nigerian Army in Yelwata, a border community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following the brutal massacre of over 200 residents by suspected armed assailants on June 14.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Dickson Tarkighir, during Wednesday’s plenary
The lawmaker decried what he described as a “Devastating and recurrent pattern of violent attacks” in Benue communities, noting that the Yelwata mFassacre had deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.
“Over 200 indigenes of Yelwata were brutally killed in a violent attack. Thousands more have been displaced, their homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered,” Tarkighir said, lamenting the frequency and ferocity of the assaults in his constituency and beyond.
He expressed concern over the slow response from authorities, warning that continued delays in deploying adequate security and humanitarian aid could lead to further bloodshed and suffering.
In its resolutions, the House mandated its Committees on Interior and Security to undertake an immediate fact-finding visit to Yelwata and other affected areas in Guma LGA, with a view to assessing the scale of destruction and recommending comprehensive response strategies.
Lawmakers also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and other relevant agencies to swiftly deploy relief materials and medical support to displaced persons.
To address the root cause of the persistent violence, the House directed the Committee on Human Rights to investigate the circumstances surrounding the June 14 massacre and ensure that justice is delivered to the victims and their families
