The National Assembly’s resumption was marked by a heated exchange between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and federal lawmakers over the state’s escalating insecurity.
As the National Assembly reconvened on Tuesday, tensions flared between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and federal lawmakers over the state’s worsening security situation. Lawmakers accused Governor Alia of inaction following recent attacks that left over 50 people dead in several communities.
Senator Emmanuel Udende (APC, Benue North East) lamented the killings, stating, “The residents of the villages and communities now find themselves targeted on a daily basis by heavily armed terrorist herdsmen.”
In response, APC chieftain Daniel Onjeh defended the governor, urging lawmakers not to politicize the crisis. He argued that the National Assembly should not allow itself to be dragged into Benue politics by the caucus headed by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.
The Senate resolved to seek an urgent meeting with President Bola Tinubu to address the security challenges, emphasizing the need for immediate deployment of security personnel to affected areas.