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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate has issued an urgent call for intensified military action following a fresh wave of Boko Haram attacks that have left dozens dead, entire communities destroyed, and thousands displaced across the northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
The call followed a motion sponsored by Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central) and backed by more than a dozen senators in plenary on Wednesday.
In a sombre presentation to his colleagues, Abbas recounted recent attacks that have devastated his constituency.
“In Kwampre and Zar, homes were burned and schools destroyed on February 25,” Abbas said. “In Banga and Lar, five people were killed on April 15, and churches and homes were set ablaze. Then on April 26, eleven volunteer vigilantes from a neighboring local government were murdered while defending a corporate community.”
He added that “just last week, “the attack on Kulda community in Hong LGA on May 16 was particularly devastating. Sixteen people were killed, and 90 percent of homes and places of worship were reduced to ashes. These people now live as refugees in their own land.”
Senate Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) expressed concern that previously restored peace in parts of Borno were rapidly deteriorating.
“Boko Haram is back. Just last week, five soldiers were killed in Marte LGA. Government lodges and police stations were destroyed. In Kukawa, 23 people were massacred in one community, and 40 in another—simply for allegedly pledging allegiance to a different faction of Boko Haram.”
The Senate also raised concerns over the redeployment of military resources from the North East to the North West where operations against banditry have taken priority. Lawmakers warned that the resulting security vacuum is enabling insurgents to regroup and launch deadly attacks.
In its resolutions, the Senate asked the government to urgently strengthen military presence in the most affected areas—particularly in Hong LGA of Adamawa—and urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian relief to displaced residents.
A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the victims.
However, Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) cautioned that the Senate must remain within constitutional limits.
“Directing the establishment of military bases is outside our mandate,” Dickson said. “Only the President, as Commander-in-Chief, can make that call. We can recommend, but not command.” His observation was noted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session.
