In response to the debate, the senate resolved to take decisive measures to address the security crisis caused by cross-border cattle herding.
The senate has mandated its committee on national security and intelligence, livestock and agriculture to liaise with the federal government with a view to establishing modern cattle ranches across the country to reduce insecurity.
This is as it also resolved to enact a law limiting cattle movement from neighbouring countries to Nigeria.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Anthony Siyako Yaro (PDP, Gombe South) on the need to address the incessant banditry attacks and displacement of innocent Nigerians in some villages in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
While presenting the motion, Sen. Yaro recounted the December 11 attacks on villages by suspected herders, which led to numerous deaths, extensive arson, and the displacement of residents.
He stated that the attackers, who arrived on motorbikes, killed several people, destroyed homes, and set ablaze large quantities of food supplies and livestock.
Expressing his concern, Yaro emphasised that the violence poses a serious threat to peace and security not only in the affected areas but also in neighboring states like Taraba, Bauchi, and Adamawa.
He further highlighted the negative impact on food sufficiency and economic activities, noting that the attacks have forced many residents to flee their homes.
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Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi central), sympathised with the families of the victims of the attack, lamenting that the herders marauding as bandits are putting out signals that there should not be a celebration of Christmas in Gombe and neighbouring states.
He expressed worries about the security votes given to state governors, saying they have not been effectively used to reduce insecurity in the country.
In response to concerns raised by Ningi who questioned the use of security votes by state governors, Akpabio defended the role of state governments. He stressed that security is a shared responsibility, stating, “When you become a governor, you will understand what happens with security votes. The number of attempts foiled by security forces surpasses the ones that succeed, but those are rarely reported. Security agencies often intercept criminals before they commit their acts, but these successes are overlooked.” He further remarked that many security successes go unnoticed because they do not align with the media’s preference for sensational news.
Highlighting the need for sustainable solutions, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) reiterated the importance of modern, government-funded ranches, arguing that they would reduce tensions, improve herder livelihoods, and enhance local economies. He emphasised the need for a structured approach to address the root causes of insecurity tied to economic challenges and migration patterns.
On his part, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) also called for a national public hearing to identify legislative solutions to security issues related to economic activities and regional movement. He stressed the importance of clearly defining individual rights under the ECOWAS treaty to prevent conflicts arising from competing interests.
In response to the debate, the senate resolved to take decisive measures to address the security crisis. It called on the federal government to finance the establishment of modern ranches nationwide as a strategy to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts, enhance safety, and boost economic productivity. Additionally, the senate urged for the enforcement of legal frameworks to regulate cross-border movement under the ECOWAS treaty, ensuring the rights and safety of Nigerian citizens are protected.
The senate further directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the Gombe attacks, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. To prevent further violence, the senate called for the immediate deployment of a joint police and military taskforce to Billiri Local Government Area.
It also urged the ministry of humanitarian affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide urgent relief materials to displaced victims affected by the violence.
The senate further mandated its committees on legislative compliance, police affairs, and national security and intelligence to oversee the implementation of these resolutions and pursue long-term measures to combat insecurity in the region.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Gombe South district, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Sen. Yaro throughout the 10th senate here.
