Godsent Ogbebor
Aondoakaa urges United States air strike action to curb Benue killings
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has called on the United States to extend its recent air strikes against terrorist camps to Benue State, citing worsening insecurity and persistent attacks on communities.
Aondoakaa made the statement in Makurdi during a consultation dinner with political stakeholders drawn from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said armed groups operating across several local government areas of the state had gone beyond criminality and now posed a serious terror threat, stressing that decisive action was needed to stop further loss of lives.
The former minister spoke against the backdrop of US air strikes carried out on Islamic State-linked camps in Sokoto State’s Bauni forest on Christmas Day, arguing that similar action was long overdue in Benue.
According to him, groups initially identified as herders had taken up arms, attacked rural communities, destroyed farms, displaced residents and occupied their land, leaving many areas unsafe for normal life.
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Aondoakaa criticised the Benue State government over what he described as a weak response to the security situation, saying stronger measures, including international support, could help restore peace.
He also condemned recent killings in the state, including the reported attack on Yelwata community where scores of residents were said to have been killed in one day.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide, Aondoakaa called for sustained federal intervention to prevent further attacks in Benue.
The former AGF, who is seeking the governorship of the state in 2027, assured residents that security would be a top priority if elected, promising to protect lives and property.
He also acknowledged the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former governor Samuel Ortom in promoting unity in the state, urging continued cooperation among leaders.
Speaking at the event, Ortom described Aondoakaa as a capable and experienced leader, calling for collaboration across party lines to address insecurity and development challenges facing Benue.
