The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has condemned the latest deadly attack on Abaashwa community in Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of four residents.
Aondoakaa, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, James Ian, described the incident as “barbaric, heartbreaking and yet another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State.”
He sympathised with the families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of residents who sustained injuries during the attack and are currently undergoing treatment.
The former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice also raised concerns about the continued deterioration of security across Benue, stressing that the effectiveness of any security system should be measured by its ability to prevent attacks and protect lives, rather than simply reacting after casualties have occurred.
“Recurring attacks on Benue communities have created an atmosphere of fear, forcing many farmers away from their ancestral lands and threatening the state’s agricultural economy,” he said.
According to Aondoakaa, the persistent violence has left residents yearning for practical and lasting security measures capable of stopping the repeated killings and displacement of communities.
He called on the Benue State Government to place the protection of lives and property at the centre of its responsibilities, noting that it is a fundamental constitutional duty that requires urgent and sustained attention.
“Every available resource, every security architecture and every policy initiative should be directed towards achieving that sacred responsibility. Benue people deserve security, not endless condolences,” he said.
Aondoakaa further expressed worry over reports that some victims of the latest attack faced difficulties obtaining immediate medical attention amid the ongoing industrial action by doctors in the state.
He urged the relevant authorities to establish emergency measures that would guarantee prompt medical treatment for victims of violent attacks, stressing that timely intervention could make the difference between life and death.
Benue people deserve security, not endless condolences – Aondoakaa