The Benue community attack that claimed the lives of four residents in Abaashwa community, Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, has been condemned by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN.
Aondoakaa described the incident as “barbaric, heartbreaking and yet another painful reminder” of the worsening security challenges facing the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, James Ian, the former Attorney-General of the Federation sympathised with the families of those killed and prayed for the quick recovery of residents injured during the attack.
The Benue community attack has renewed concerns over the safety of residents, with Aondoakaa questioning the effectiveness of security measures in preventing repeated attacks across the state.
According to him, the success of any security system should not only be judged by its response after attacks occur but by its ability to prevent violence and protect lives.
“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.
Aondoakaa stressed that residents were becoming increasingly concerned about the continuous violence and displacement of communities, calling for practical and lasting solutions to the security crisis.
He urged the Benue State Government to make the protection of lives and property a top priority, describing it as a constitutional responsibility that requires urgent 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 stated.
The PDP governorship candidate also expressed concern over reports that some victims of the latest attack struggled to access medical care due to the ongoing industrial action by doctors in the state.
He called on relevant authorities to introduce emergency measures to ensure victims of violent attacks receive immediate medical attention, noting that timely intervention could save lives.
The latest Benue community attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in the state, with residents and political leaders continuing to demand stronger measures to protect communities.
BACKSTORY:
Benue State has continued to face recurring security challenges, particularly attacks on rural communities, with residents frequently reporting killings, displacement, and destruction of farmlands. The situation has raised concerns because Benue is one of Nigeria’s major agricultural states, and prolonged insecurity has affected farming activities and the livelihoods of many communities.
The latest incident occurred in Abaashwa community, Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, where four residents were reportedly killed in an attack. The incident has renewed calls from political leaders and residents for stronger security measures to protect communities and prevent further loss of lives.
Michael Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney-General of the Federation, reacted to the attack while campaigning as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State. He criticised what he described as repeated government responses that focus on sympathising with victims after attacks rather than preventing such incidents.
Aondoakaa’s comments come amid longstanding debates over insecurity in Benue, where clashes, attacks on farming communities, and displacement of residents have remained major political issues. Successive administrations have faced pressure to improve security, strengthen intelligence gathering, and protect rural communities.
The issue of insecurity is expected to remain a major topic ahead of future political contests in the state, with candidates and political parties using security, agriculture, and the protection of residents as key campaign issues.
