The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 2027 governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has urged the government and the security agencies to intensify operations in Ukum Local Government Area following a deadly attack on several communities.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said urgent measures were needed to prevent further killings, destruction of property and displacement of residents in the affected communities.
He made the demand in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, while reacting to the attack reportedly carried out in Mbaterem, Ukum local government area in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to reports, armed men riding motorcycles stormed Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina and other communities, firing at residents and allegedly killing several people, while leaving others injured.
The attackers reportedly operated for several hours, forcing frightened residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby bushes.
Reacting, Aondoakaa described the incident as another disturbing indication of the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State.
“How long will Benue communities continue to wake up to gunfire? How many more farmers must be killed? How many more families must abandon their ancestral homes before the protection of these vulnerable communities is treated as the emergency that it is?” He queried.
He said residents had become exhausted by the repeated cycle of attacks, deaths, burials and displacement.
“The people need protection, not another cycle of attacks followed by condolences and promises that produce no lasting security,” he said.
The PDP candidate called on the government and the security agencies to immediately commence a coordinated operation across the affected parts of Ukum.
He urged authorities to protect vulnerable communities, identify and apprehend those behind the attacks, and ensure that suspects are prosecuted in line with the law.
Aondoakaa also advocated a stronger and sustained security presence in communities considered vulnerable to attacks, alongside better intelligence gathering and faster response to emergencies.
“Intelligence from local communities must be taken seriously, known routes used by armed groups must be secured, and rapid-response mechanisms must be strengthened. The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property,” he said.
He further stressed that security efforts should not end with stopping attacks but must also make it possible for displaced residents to safely return home and for farmers to access their farmlands.
“Benue people have a right to their ancestral homes. They have a right to their farms. They have a right to go about their legitimate activities without fear of being killed.
“They should not have to surrender their communities to armed men because the government has failed to provide sufficient protection,” he said.
Aondoakaa condoled with the families who lost loved ones in the attack and wished those injured a quick recovery.
He also appealed to the authorities to provide immediate support to the affected communities and take concrete steps to guarantee the safe return of residents who fled their homes.
The former minister maintained that restoring lasting peace in the affected areas was essential to enabling residents to return to their normal activities and rebuild their livelihoods.
