The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to immediately establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Nigerian Army in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following the gruesome killing of over 200 residents by suspected armed attackers on June 14.
This resolution came during Wednesday’s plenary after a motion of urgent national importance was moved by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, who represents the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency. Tarkighir described the attack as part of a “devastating and recurrent pattern of violent assaults” that have plagued communities in the region.
“Over 200 indigenes of Yelwata were brutally murdered. Thousands have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods ruined,” he said, expressing frustration over the slow government response and warning that further inaction could lead to even more casualties.
In response, the House mandated its Committees on Interior and National Security to conduct an immediate fact-finding mission to Yelwata and other affected communities in Guma LGA to assess the destruction and develop a strategic response plan.
The lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and other relevant agencies to urgently provide relief materials, medical support, and temporary shelter to displaced residents.
Additionally, the Committee on Human Rights was tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the Yelwata killings to ensure justice is served and to address the underlying causes of persistent insecurity in the area.
