Saraki celebrates with IDPS in Benue, pledges to check killings

Groups donate to displaced persons in Abuja

SENATE President, Bukola Saraki yesterday marked the Children’s Day with internally displaced persons (IDPS) in Benue State.

Saraki also assured the people that the legislature would continue to engage with security agencies to end the herdsmen killings in the state.

Some members of the Senate accompanied Saraki on the visit to Agbagana IDP Camp in Makurdi.

He disclosed that tangible measures were being put in place by the legislature, and assured them that they would soon return to the homes.

He disclosed that the National Assembly had last week, held a meeting with the security agencies on how to bring solution to the insecurity problems.

He stressed that they had been directed to return to the affected states, while the stakeholders would provide all that they need to end the killings across the country.

According to him: “We have since the beginning of this crisis been engaging the security agencies, that they must get to the root of the situation.

“At the Senate, we will stop at nothing, but to continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that the killings are stopped.

He promised that the National Assembly would hold the Service Chiefs accountable and do everything possible for them to end the killings.

He described the killings in Benue and the entire north central as pitiable, adding that no body would be happy to watch as the killings continue.

He said: “Benue State, in particular, has suffered terribly as a result of these senseless, murderous activities. We are gravely concerned about the situation. That is another reason we are here, to say to the people: you are not alone.

“Remember that the Senate had responded promptly to this crisis, by setting up its ad-hoc committee on Security to Benue immediately after one of the major atrocities.”

He also disclosed that the Senate continued its interventions last week by summoning the Service Chiefs for briefing.

“We remain committed to ensuring that this state is secured. Our efforts towards supporting effective solutions to the deteriorating security of the nation as a whole, will be unrelenting,” he said.

Saraki disclosed that the 8th Senate is working to amend the Universal Basic Education Act, to guarantee free and compulsory education for all, up to secondary school level.

Also, Torma’s Aid Initiative (TAI) and Nobleheartz Children Foundation (NCF) yesterday marked the day for children at the IDP Camp in Area 1 Abuja. They donated food items, toys and writing materials to the children.

The founder of TAI, Mudashiru Rukayyat Motunrayo, said

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and hope for the future. Therefore, contributing your quota could make the world better.”