Benue State is grappling with a fresh round of violence as political leaders bicker over the way forward to address the worsening security situation. With scores of people killed and communities displaced in the past several weeks, there is tension developing between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the State House of Assembly, which could undermine collective efforts to restore peace.

The Assembly, during an emergency sitting on Tuesday, accused the governor of inaction in the wake of persistent attacks by suspected gun-carrying herders. They denounced what they described as a “slow and disjointed” executive response, demanding stronger action, including security reinforcement at the grassroots level and broader consultations with local leaders.

“The people are bleeding, and the government cannot continue to watch from a distance,” one legislator said during the heated session.

The increasing gap prompted timely intervention by national stakeholders. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stepped in. Akume himself a former governor of Benue is said to be facilitating behind-closed-door meetings to bring back the political actors in the state and speed up federal intervention for security operations.

In a parallel development, some retired Benue military generals — including Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd) and Gen. Atom Kpera (rtd) — are also quietly but actively influencing events from backstage. The former generals are said to be engaging with the Presidency, military top brass, and traditional rulers in a bid to request a speedy deployment of soldiers and intelligence assets into hotspots.

In a press statement published publicly on Wednesday, Akume condemned the attacks, warning that internal political dissensions may encourage the perpetrators. “This is not a time for ego or blame games. Our people are being attacked, and we have to move as one,” he told them.

In the human rights sector, affairs are also bleak. No fewer than 12,000 individuals have been displaced in Guma, Logo, and Ukum affected local government areas, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said. With the shelters full and access to food and medical relief complicated by insecurity, aid groups are calling for an immediate humanitarian corridor.

Regardless of the number of years of occasional bloodshed, most Benue people declare that this current one is more organized and deadly. Analysts warn that if state actors move closer and collaborate with federal security forces, the issue could get out of hand.

In the meantime, Benue citizens wait — not just for peace, but also for their leaders to finally speak and act as one.