The Senate has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy more troops and establish security outposts along the borders of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states following a bandit attack that reportedly killed about 80 people in Taraba State
The attack targeted Binari community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing dozens of residents, displacing hundreds and destroying property
The resolution followed a motion by the senator representing Taraba North, Isa Shuaibu Lau, who raised the alarm over the rising violence and humanitarian crisis in his constituency
Lau said the vulnerability of communities along the borders of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states had created routes that armed groups used to carry out attacks
He said the government had a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, warning that failure to take decisive action could lead to more killings, economic losses and displacement in the affected areas
The Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North), said protecting lives and property was the primary responsibility of government
He commended Lau for drawing the attention of the National Assembly to the security challenges in the area
After deliberations, the Senate unanimously urged security agencies to deploy additional personnel and establish permanent security outposts along the vulnerable borders of Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi states
The lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide relief materials and medical assistance to survivors displaced from Binari and neighbouring communities
The Senate observed a one-minute silence in honour of those killed in the attack