By Benue Info-pedia 

The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Air Staff and other top Nigerian Air Force officers over alleged human rights violations in Benue State. The move follows a petition accusing military personnel of assault, land encroachment, and intimidation in Mbaivur community.

The House of Representatives has issued a formal summons to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, alongside other senior Nigerian Air Force officers, over alleged cases of assault and land grabbing in Benue State.

Also summoned are the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, and the Commander of the 151 Base Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi. They are expected to appear before the House Committee on Public Petitions on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

The summons follows a petition presented on January 29, 2026, by the lawmaker representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Hon. Asema Achado. The petition alleges persistent incidents of physical assault, destruction of farmlands, unlawful land encroachment, and intimidation of residents of Mbaivur community in Gwer East Local Government Area.

In a notice dated April 21, 2026, and signed by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, the affected officers were directed to appear in person at 2:00 p.m. at Room 429, New Wing of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The notice cited Sections 88 and 89(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to investigate matters of public concern and compel the attendance of individuals. It further warned that failure to honour the summons could result in the matter being determined in their absence.

Speaking on the development, Hon. Achado reiterated his commitment to due process and the rule of law, noting that the petition reflects longstanding grievances of his constituents.

He called for calm among residents of the affected community, urging them to remain law-abiding while the National Assembly carries out its investigation.