February 6, 2026 — The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent surge in violence across Kwara and Benue States, which has reportedly claimed over a hundred lives.
In a statement released Friday, the Speaker expressed deep-seated concern over the persistent loss of innocent lives under “questionable circumstances.” He called on Nigeria’s security agencies to abandon reactive measures in favor of more decisive, collaborative strategies to restore order.
The carnage, which unfolded earlier this week, hit communities in North-Central Nigeria with devastating force:
Kwara State: Over 70 people are feared dead following an assault by suspected terrorists on the Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area.
Benue State: A separate, equally brutal raid occurred in the Abande community of Kwande LGA, where bandits reportedly killed scores of residents and destroyed property.
“The socio-economic impact of this insecurity is immeasurable,” Speaker Abbas stated, emphasizing that the nation cannot thrive while its citizens live in constant fear.
Despite the tragedy, the Speaker noted that the Federal Government remains committed to the fight. He highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly have consistently provided the Armed Forces with the necessary resources and moral backing to secure the country.
However, he stressed that funding alone isn’t the solution. Abbas urged for a “concerted effort” where both the government and the governed collaborate to expose “common enemies.”
Speaker Abbas extended his heartfelt condolences to the governments and people of Kwara and Benue States. He offered prayers for the victims and expressed profound empathy for the families left behind by the senseless violence.
