Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, has raised serious concerns over the recent surge of violence in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. These attacks, attributed to suspected Fulani herders, have left many residents in fear and mourning. In a statement released through his media assistant, Mr. Terungwa Nunde, Zam called for immediate action to address this escalating crisis.

Ongoing Attacks and Their Impact
The senator highlighted that individuals traveling along the Makurdi-Naka and Naka-Agabgbe roads have increasingly fallen victim to these violent assaults. The attacks are not only unprovoked but seem to be part of a larger pattern of targeted violence against communities in the region. Zam expressed his deep concern that these incidents have caused significant distress among the local population, leading to the loss of lives and property.

Government Response
Despite the rigorous efforts of National Assembly members, who have presented numerous motions urging both federal and state governments to provide assistance, the situation remains dire. Zam lamented that these pleas for help have largely gone unanswered, allowing the cycle of violence to persist. He noted that the frequency and intensity of the attacks have worsened, putting the safety of the community at risk.

Proposed Solutions
In his statement, Senator Zam emphasized the importance of legislative action to combat this issue. He is advocating for a bill he has introduced in the National Assembly that seeks to promote ranching and prohibit open grazing throughout Nigeria. Zam believes that this legislation could significantly mitigate the tensions between herders and local communities, thereby reducing the incidence of violence.

Call for Action from State Leadership
Zam also urged Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to take a more active role in addressing the security challenges faced by the state. He stressed the need for collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting that members of the National Assembly have effectively mobilized resources to support the state in combating these challenges. The senator is optimistic that with the right resources and cooperation, improvements in security can be achieved.

Appeal to Security Agencies
In light of the ongoing violence, Zam called on relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in tackling the critical situation that has led to the tragic loss of lives. This includes not only men but also women and children, who have been disproportionately affected by the violence. He urged these agencies to work more closely with the community to restore safety and stability in the region.

Expressions of Condolence
In conclusion, Senator Zam extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the ongoing attacks. He recognized the pain and suffering experienced by the people of Gwer West and urged them to remain vigilant. Zam encouraged the community to cooperate with security operatives to foster a peaceful environment and ensure that such tragedies do not continue to occur.