The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has raised concerns over the potential spillover of violence from neighbouring Benue State, where over 200 villagers were recently killed in a brutal attack.

 

Speaking during a plenary session where lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims, Ayambem urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address the escalating insecurity in Benue and other troubled states.

 

He stressed the need for heightened security in border communities to prevent the violence from spreading into Cross River State. “The mayhem in Benue and nearby Niger State has become intolerable,” he said. “The killings must be stopped and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

 

With President Tinubu scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday, the Speaker called on him to take meaningful steps to end the reign of terror and ensure the safety of all citizens.

 

Ayambem also renewed calls for the immediate establishment of state police, arguing that localized security structures would better identify and manage threats in communities before they escalate.

 

“State police can help detect and deter the infiltration of violent elements into our communities,” he stated. “Delaying its creation puts more lives at risk.”

 

He emphasized the need to value every Nigerian life equally, insisting that no citizen should be treated as more important than another.

 

• The Speaker extended his condolences to the government and people of Benue State and called for national unity and action in the face of growing security threats.