Ex AGF Aondoakaa decries herders' attacks in Kwande communities, urges urgent govt intervention

By Johnson Arua

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has strongly condemned the latest wave of attacks and killings in Mbaav, Mbadura, Turan in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 13 persons were murdered by herdsmen terrorists.

Chief Aondoakaa is a statement by his Special Assistant Media and Publicity, James Ian described the attack as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable, noting that the gruesome killing of innocent and defenceless farmers in their own communities is a tragic development that should trouble the conscience of every citizen.

He expressed deep sympathy for families of the victims and all those affected by the attack, including those who sustained injuries, those who have been displaced from their homes and those still missing following the invasion of the community.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones in such cruel circumstances. I also sympathize with the many people who have been injured, displaced from their ancestral homes, or are still missing following these attacks. The trauma and suffering being inflicted on our people are simply unacceptable,” he said.

Chief Aondoakaa stated that the renewed violence in Kwande is yet another painful reminder of the persistent insecurity confronting many communities in Benue State, and stressed that the continuous attacks on rural settlements have turned once peaceful farming communities into zones of fear and displacement.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the apparent silence and inaction of the Benue State Government in the face of the recurring killings across the state.

He appeal to the Governor of Benue state to show leadership and provide reassurance, direction and decisive action,  to demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable communities in Benue state.

Chief Aondoakaa emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, and emphasized that the people of Benue State expect proactive leadership in confronting the security challenges facing them.

The former Attorney General appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and take decisive steps to stop the cycle of violence in the state by mobilizing adequate security forces to the affected areas.

Chief Aondoakaa commended President Tinubu for his earlier visit to Benue State shortly after the tragic Yelewata attack last year in which over 200 people were killed, noting that the visit provided hope and reassurance to many grieving families across the state.

He also called on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to protect lives and property while urging all levels of government to work together in addressing the security crisis affecting the state.