By Baron Ike
The Senate, on Thursday, resolved to invite President Muhammadu Buhari to address a joint session of the National Assembly over the spate of killings in the country.
The advise came from Senator Obinna Ogba who said that Buhari be invited to a joint session of the National Assembly on the killings.
However, the senate stressed in its resolution that something drastic should be done to address the security situation of the country.
The resolution was sequel to a motion by Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator George Akume.
In the motion titled: “Continued Killings in Benue State”, Akume expressed concern over the continued destruction of lives and property, particularly in the seven local governments of Benue North West Senatorial District.
He said despite the presence of the military in the state, the killings and destruction of property had continued unabated.
Said Akume: “In the morning of Tuesday April 24, while some Christian faithful were gathered at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ayar town, Gwer East Local Government Area, they were ambushed by armed gunmen.
“They opened fire indiscriminately on the worshipers resulting in the death of two Reverend Fathers, a catechist and 17 others.
“This latest attack on a worship centre, which is unprecedented, has grave implications for the security and unity of our dear nation.
“The monumental refugee situation now estimated at over 200,000 is being faced by the entire state.”
He prayed the senate to urge the Federal Government to evaluate the entire security architecture of the country in order to identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the killings.
Also contributing, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) said there was need for concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders to nip the problem in the bud.
Aliero said if care was not taken, the killings will lead to religious crisis in the country.
“I do not think those perpetrating the crime do not have a religion. They can attack Muslims and Christians, so we should treat them as criminals,” said Aliero.
Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP-Imo) said the continuous killings in the country would also lead to food scarcity if not checked.
Anyanwu said: “If nothing is done urgently, there will be food scarcity because the places that are attacked are predominantly farmers. We must fight this as a country.
“The service chiefs should be engaged to know what is happening. We should also seek foreign aid. I think some people are gaining from this development.”
Senator Ogba had advised that Buhari be invited to a joint session of the National Assembly.
He stressed that something drastic should be done to address the security situation of the country.
In his remarks, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the continued killings across the country were worrisome and unacceptable.
Saraki said: “We were talking about herdsmen and farmers, now we are talking about herdsmen and religious leaders.
“The dimension this is taking will lead to a serious problem if not urgently tackled.
“We need drastic action, we must say no to the wanton killings.
“We cannot continue to say we are leaders; this is a failure and we must look at what we can do differently.
“We cannot continue like this, we have to take a decision that will show we are serious given the enormity of the situation.”