Senate condemns massacre of 56 in Niger

2026-02-17 - 17:57

...Demands Immediate Security Deployment By Henry Umoru, Abuja The Senate has strongly condemned the killing of 56 Nigerians and the abduction of women and children in Konkoso Village, Niger State, describing the attack as brutal and unacceptable. The incident occurred on February 14, 2026, when terrorists and bandits attacked communities in Borgu Local Government Area, killing residents, abducting several women and children, and setting multiple houses—including a police station—ablaze. In response, the Upper Chamber called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas to strengthen rapid response and prevent further attacks. The Senate has also mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, and National Security to conduct a joint assessment and report back within four weeks. A minute of silence was observed for the victims, and condolences were extended to bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Niger State. The resolutions followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East). Senator Musa reported that over 56 citizens were killed in Konkoso and nearby Pissa villages, with several women and children abducted. He noted that the affected communities border strategic forests used by terrorists for cross-border movements and coordinated criminal operations. “The North Central region has witnessed rising attacks on rural communities and farmlands, threatening food security, local economies, and broader national stability,” Musa said, while commending President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for sustained counterterrorism efforts. Musa warned that repeated assaults on remote communities highlight gaps in intelligence, coordination, rapid response, and sustained territorial security. He also stressed that abductions have deepened the humanitarian crisis, leaving lasting psychological trauma and destabilising affected areas. Seconding the motion, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno called for increased budget allocations to security agencies, noting that zero capital budget releases had been made to these agencies in the ongoing budget cycle. “In line with the President’s declaration of state of emergency on security, prominence should be given to security agencies,” Monguno said. The Senate’s move signals a firm stance on addressing insecurity in Niger State and across vulnerable regions, emphasizing both immediate action and long-term structural reforms.