PDP governorship aspirant Aondoakaa condemns Benue killings

…Demands Stronger Security Measures

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has condemned the recent wave of deadly attacks across the state, calling on the government to take decisive action to end the persistent bloodshed and protect vulnerable communities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa described the continued killings and displacement of residents as unacceptable, insisting that government must fulfil its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.

The former minister also condemned the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, describing the murder as “reprehensible and unacceptable.”

He urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killing.

Aondoakaa also denounced the attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where scores of people were reportedly killed and several others injured.

He said he received news of the attack with “immense shock and deep sorrow,” describing the massacre as “another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State.”

The PDP governorship hopeful extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Sai Community, Mbajir Ward and Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.

He also condemned similar attacks in Agatu, Guma, Gwer West, Kwande and other parts of the state, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Aondoakaa called on the Benue State Government to adopt proactive security measures instead of allowing communities to remain vulnerable to attacks by terrorists, bandits and other armed groups.

According to him, “The Benue State Government has no justification whatsoever for failing the people on security, especially when unprecedented funds have been accruing to it following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.”

He argued that despite increased revenue available to the state, many communities had continued to suffer repeated attacks with little evidence of a coordinated government response.

The former Attorney General also referenced comments by the Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, who reportedly lamented the lack of institutional support from the Benue State Government for security operations.

He said the commander’s remarks should serve as a wake-up call for the state government to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through greater logistical support and investment in tackling insecurity.

Aondoakaa further challenged the state government to account for the monthly security votes allocated for the protection of lives and property.

“Security votes must translate into visible support for security agencies, improved intelligence gathering, rapid emergency response and concrete measures capable of preventing attacks, rather than becoming mere budgetary figures without corresponding results,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the poor condition of rural roads across Benue State, noting that the deteriorating infrastructure continued to hamper the movement of security personnel and emergency responders.

“Accessible rural roads are not merely development projects but strategic security assets that enable security personnel to respond swiftly to distress calls, pursue criminal elements and protect vulnerable populations,” he stated.

Aondoakaa urged the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify ongoing operations, arrest those responsible for the Katsina-Ala attack and other violent crimes, and ensure that no part of Benue State remains under the control or threat of criminal elements.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of all those killed in the attacks, including the late MACBAN chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and asked God to comfort the bereaved families and grant speedy recovery to those injured.

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