Senate probes Adamawa attacks, orders relief for displaced communities

The Senate on Wednesday launched a formal probe into renewed attacks in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while directing the immediate provision of relief materials to communities displaced by the violence.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Binos Yaroe, who raised alarm over coordinated attacks on the Kwa, Gyakan, Rigange, Waduku, and Tchobo communities.

The attacks, reportedly carried out by gunmen on motorcycles, have left several residents dead and many others displaced, further deepening insecurity in the area.

In his lead debate, Yaroe painted a grim picture of the situation, noting that the assailants “unleashed terror on defenceless residents” despite ongoing security measures.

He said, “Lawmakers are worried that these attacks take place despite a dusk-to-dawn curfew being in force and the presence of many security personnel in the area.”

Concerned by the persistence of the violence, the Senate mandated its Committee on National Security and Intelligence to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the crisis “with a view to bringing an end to this conflict.”

In a humanitarian response, lawmakers also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to urgently deploy relief materials to victims who have been forced out of their homes.

The chamber observed a one-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North) described the situation as “very sad,” stressing that the violence has remained unresolved for years despite repeated interventions.

“I am fully aware of the efforts of the state government to bring peace to that area, but it has refused to go away over the years,” Yohanna said.

He called for stronger collaboration between federal lawmakers and the Adamawa State Government to sustain ongoing peace efforts, while also urging security agencies to intensify their operations in the troubled communities.

“They have been doing a lot in that area. We just want to encourage them and urge them to do more,” he added.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all three prayers of the motion, signalling a renewed legislative push to address the lingering insecurity in the affected parts of Adamawa State.