Aondoakaa mourns attack victims, calls for justice and stronger security in Benue.

By Dooshima Terkura

Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Benue State governorship election, has strongly condemned the recent wave of attacks across parts of Benue State, describing the killings of innocent residents and the displacement of thousands as unacceptable.

In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa also condemned the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammed, describing the murder as reprehensible and calling on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice also decried Wednesday’s attack on Saai Community in Mbajir Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where scores of innocent people were reportedly killed and many others injured.
Aondoakaa said he received the tragic news with deep shock and sorrow, describing the massacre as another painful indication of the worsening security situation in Benue State.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Saai Community, Mbajir Ward, and the entire 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.
While denouncing the attack in Katsina-Ala, Aondoakaa stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government as provided under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He urged the Benue State Government to fulfill its constitutional responsibility by taking proactive and practical steps to protect residents rather than leaving communities vulnerable to terrorists, bandits and armed invaders.
According to him, the state government has no justification for its failure to adequately address insecurity, particularly given the increased revenues available to states following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Aondoakaa described it as unfortunate that despite the substantial resources at the government’s disposal, many communities continue to experience repeated attacks with little evidence of a coordinated response.
He called on the Benue State Government to explain how the monthly security votes allocated for the protection of lives and property are being utilised when communities continue to suffer attacks, thousands have been displaced, and innocent citizens are being killed.
He maintained that security votes should result in visible support for security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, faster emergency responses and concrete measures capable of preventing attacks, rather than existing only as budgetary allocations.
Aondoakaa further urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations, apprehend those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that every life is sacred and justice must be served regardless of the victim’s identity.
He also expressed concern over the poor condition of rural roads across Benue State, noting that the deteriorating infrastructure continues to hamper security operations by delaying the movement of troops and emergency responders to affected communities.
According to him, accessible rural roads are not only development projects but also critical security assets that enable security personnel to respond quickly to distress calls, pursue criminals and protect vulnerable communities.
He called on the military, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify their operations, bring those behind the Katsina-Ala massacre and other violent attacks to justice, and ensure that no part of Benue State remains under the control or threat of criminal elements.
Aondoakaa also prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of all those who lost their lives in the attacks, including the MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammed, the victims of the Saai massacre and others killed across the state. He prayed that God would comfort their families and grant speedy healing to those injured.