Aondoakaa Visits Guma Attack Victims, Condemns Insecurity

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. A reader who only reads this paragraph must understand what happened. Benue State PDP governorship candidate, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has called for a non-partisan approach to tackling insecurity in the state, following a recent attack in Guma area that left several people dead or injured. Aondoakaa made the call during a condolence visit to Abaashwa community in Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, where suspected armed herders attacked residents, killing several people and injuring others. The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice condemned the attack as “deeply painful and unacceptable,” while sympathising with the bereaved families and wishing those injured speedy recovery. He said Benue residents had the right to live peacefully in their ancestral communities, cultivate their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear of attacks, displacement or death.

Aondoakaa is a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who served under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the country's judicial system and was also responsible for drafting several landmark laws.

Aondoakaa commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division with headquarters in Makurdi and the 11 Brigade in Gboko, as well as measures aimed at improving the welfare and remuneration of military personnel.

He, however, urged Benue residents to support security agencies with useful information to enable them effectively protect lives and property. The PDP candidate also paid tribute to former Governor Samuel Ortom, describing him as a son of Guma who made sacrifices and took steps to protect the people of the state.

He specifically cited the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017 under Ortom, saying the legislation provided a legal framework for addressing conflicts arising from open grazing. Aondoakaa stressed that tackling insecurity required collective action, urging political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies to work together irrespective of political affiliation.

He also called for wider consultations, saying government should draw from the experience of former governors and other individuals with knowledge of Benue’s peculiar security challenges. Responding, the acting Tyoor of Nzorov, Zaki Emmanuel Atoka, thanked Aondoakaa for identifying with the community during its period of grief, saying his visit had brought some consolation to the affected families.

The President of Nzorov Development Association, Kenneth Pool, also commended the former minister for standing with the people in their hour of sorrow. Aondoakaa’s visit came as the state is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent attack, which has left many residents traumatized and seeking security guarantees.

The Benue State government has yet to comment on the incident, but residents are calling for urgent action to address the rising insecurity in the state. In a related development, the state government has set up a committee to investigate the incident and suggest ways to prevent future attacks.

The committee, which is expected to submit its report within the next two weeks, will comprise representatives from the state government, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders. The committee will also explore ways to improve security measures in the state and prevent future attacks.

The state government has also promised to provide support to the affected families and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. The incident has highlighted the need for collective action to address the insecurity challenge in the state.