Aondoakaa Visits Guma Victims, Calls Security Key to Benue’s Development

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The 2027 Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, on Monday visited Guma Local Government Area to commiserate with families affected by the recent armed herdsmen attack in Abaashwa community, Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward, which claimed several lives and left many others injured.

Addressing members of the community, Aondoakaa condemned the attack, describing the loss of innocent lives as painful and unacceptable. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the people of Benue deserved to live peacefully in their ancestral homes without persistent attacks, displacement and fear.
Aondoakaa, who has consistently described security as the foundation of development, stressed that meaningful progress could not be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“Security must come first at all times. It is the bedrock of every meaningful development. Our people must be able to live in their communities, go to their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear,” he said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division with its headquarters in Makurdi, as well as the 11 Brigade in Gboko. He also praised measures taken by the Federal Government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel.
Aondoakaa urged the people of Benue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and other necessary support to enable them effectively protect lives and property.
He also paid tribute to the immediate past Governor of Benue State and a son of Guma, Chief Samuel Ortom, for his sacrifices and the efforts made by his administration towards protecting the people of the state.
According to him, those efforts culminated in the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which provided a legal framework for addressing conflicts arising from open grazing of livestock in the state.
Aondoakaa maintained that the security of lives and property should never be reduced to partisan politics. He stressed that leaders must be willing to consult widely and draw from the experience of former governors and other individuals with relevant knowledge of Benue’s security challenges.
He said tackling insecurity required unity of purpose among political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Acting Tyoor Nzorov, Zaki Emmanuel Atoka, thanked Aondoakaa for visiting the area and identifying with the people at a difficult time.
Atoka said the community was consoled by the former Justice Minister’s visit and appreciated his concern for the families affected by the attack.
Similarly, the President of Nzorov Development Association, Kenneth Pool, commended Aondoakaa for standing with the people in their hour of sorrow.
Aondoakaa was accompanied on the condolence visit by political associates, friends and some members of the State Working Committee of the PDP in Benue State.