Benue PDP gubernatorial hopeful denounces deadly violence, calls for swift response

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The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 Benue State governorship election, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has condemned the current wave of attacks in parts of the state, which have led to the killing of many innocent people and the displacement of thousands of others.

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In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, Aondoakaa referenced the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Muhammad, and Wednesday’s killing of scores of people in Sai community, Mbajir Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

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He described the two incidents as “reprehensible and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

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The statement read in part, “Chief Aondoakaa received the tragic news with immense shock and deep sorrow, describing the massacre as another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State.

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“He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Sai Community, Mbajir Ward, and the entire Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

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“He also condemns similar attacks on Benue people in Agatu, Guma, Gwer West, Kwande and other parts of the state.”

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The governorship candidate said the primary responsibility of every government is the protection of lives and property.

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He, however, called on the Benue State Government to rise to its constitutional responsibility by taking proactive and practical measures to secure the lives of the people instead of allowing communities to remain vulnerable to terrorists, bandits and armed invaders.

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He noted that the Benue State Government had no justification for failing the people on security, especially when unprecedented funds had accrued to it following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu to enable states to provide the necessary support and resources to confront security challenges within their territories.

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The statement further read in part: “It’s both unfortunate and unacceptable that despite the enormous resources available to the present government, many Benue communities have continued to suffer relentless attacks with little evidence of a coordinated state response.”

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Aondoakaa referred to the recent remarks by the Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, who lamented that while some states provided substantial logistical and operational support to security agencies, Benue had failed to institutionalise such support, thereby hampering the effectiveness of security operations.

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He said the commander’s remarks should serve as a wake-up call to the state government, as they exposed the urgent need for greater commitment, collaboration and investment in the fight against insecurity.

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The PDP governorship hopeful called on the state government to explain to the people what it was doing with the huge monthly security votes appropriated for the protection of lives and property when communities were repeatedly attacked.

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