MAKURDI, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, has condemned the recent wave of killings in the state, including the massacre at the Sai community, and called on the government to take urgent action to end the bloodshed.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation, expressed outrage over the escalating violence that has claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks, describing the situation as unacceptable and demanding that security agencies be deployed to restore peace to affected communities.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, Aondoakaa said the killings had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents, who now live in constant dread of attacks. He expressed particular concern over the Sai community massacre, where gunmen reportedly invaded the village and opened fire on residents, killing several people and displacing many others.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the continued killings of innocent people in Benue State. The violence must stop,” Aondoakaa said. “The government must do everything within its power to protect the lives and property of its citizens.”
The PDP candidate called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to take immediate steps to address the security challenges, including deploying additional security personnel to vulnerable communities and providing support for victims of the attacks. He also urged the federal government to intervene, noting that the scale of the violence required a coordinated response from both state and national authorities.
“We cannot continue to lose our people to senseless violence. The government must act now to prevent further loss of life,” Aondoakaa added.
A History of Insecurity
Benue State has been plagued by insecurity for years, with communities across the state suffering from attacks attributed to herdsmen-farmers clashes, communal disputes, and criminal activities. The Middle Belt region, of which Benue is a part, has been a flashpoint for violence, with thousands killed and many more displaced over the past decade.
The latest attacks have renewed calls for the government to address the root causes of insecurity in the state, including land disputes, poverty, and the proliferation of small arms. Community leaders have also called for dialogue between warring groups to find lasting solutions to the conflicts.
A Call for Unity
Aondoakaa also urged the people of Benue to remain united in the face of the security challenges, stressing that only collective action could bring an end to the violence. He called on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations, to work together to promote peace and reconciliation.
“We must put aside our differences and come together as one people to confront this common enemy,” he said. “The lives of our people are precious, and we must do everything to protect them.”
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Aondoakaa’s condemnation of the killings is seen as part of his broader campaign message, which centres on security, development, and good governance. However, he insisted that his concerns were genuine and not politically motivated, saying the safety of the people should be a priority for all leaders regardless of their political affiliations.
Government Response
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to Aondoakaa’s demands. However, Governor Alia has previously assured residents that his administration is committed to addressing the security challenges and has implemented measures to improve the situation.
The killings in Benue have also drawn condemnation from national leaders, with President Bola Tinubu reportedly directing security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the violence. The Nigerian Police Force and the military have deployed personnel to the affected areas, but the attacks have continued, raising questions about the effectiveness of the security operations.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Benue remain hopeful that their leaders will find lasting solutions to the crisis. For Aondoakaa, the message is clear: the bloodshed must stop, and those responsible must be brought to justice. “Enough is enough,” he declared. “We cannot continue to bury our people in silence. The time for action is now.”
