The Senate yesterday expressed outrage over the killing of at least 56 people in Konkoso Village, Niger State, calling for urgent reinforcement of security in the area and a full review of the nation’s counterterrorism strategy.
In a resolution passed on the floor, the upper chamber strongly condemned the February 14 attacks in Borgu Local Government Area, describing the killings, kidnappings, and arson as “brutal, callous and unacceptable.”
The violence in Konkoso and nearby Pissa villages reportedly left more than 56 people dead, while several women and children were abducted.
The attackers also burned homes and public buildings, including a police station, in what lawmakers described as a well-coordinated terror operation.
During a motion of urgent national importance, Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) painted a bleak picture of security, warning that the attack highlighted growing vulnerabilities in rural communities across the North-central region.
He noted that the affected areas border key forest corridors linking neighbouring states, which armed groups have increasingly used for cross-border movements and organised crimes. “These forest corridors have become safe havens for terrorists,” Musa said.
He added that the massacre was not an isolated case but part of a worrying trend of rising attacks on rural villages and farmlands.
The Senate called for the immediate deployment of extra security personnel to the affected local government areas to improve rapid response and prevent further attacks.
It also directed its Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, and National Security to carry out a joint review of the security setup in the region and submit a report within four weeks.
Lawmakers observed a minute of silence for the victims and offered condolences to their families, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
