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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has visited Guma Local Government to commiserate with families of victims of the recent armed herdsmen attack that claimed several lives and left many others injured in Abaashwa community, Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward.
Addressing members of the community during the visit yesterday, Aondoakaa condemned the attack, describing the killing of innocent people as deeply painful and unacceptable.
He consoled the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the people of Benue deserved to live peacefully in their ancestral homes without being subjected to persistent attacks, displacement and fear.
Aondoakaa, who has consistently identified security as the foundation for any meaningful development, stressed that no progress could take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“Security must come first at all times. It is the bedrock of every meaningful development. Our people must be able to live in their communities, go to their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division with its headquarters in Makurdi, as well as the 11 Brigade in Gboko, and for measures taken by the Federal Government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel.
Aondoakaa urged the people of Benue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and other necessary support to enable them to effectively protect lives and property.
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He also paid tribute to the immediate past Governor of Benue State and a son of Guma, Chief Samuel Ortom, for what he described as his sacrifices and tireless efforts towards protecting the people of the state.
According to him, those efforts culminated in the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which provided the legal framework for addressing conflicts arising from the open grazing of livestock in the state.
Aondoakaa maintained that the security of lives and property must never be reduced to partisan politics, stressing that those entrusted with leadership must be willing to consult widely and draw from the experience of former governors and other individuals with relevant knowledge of Benue’s security challenges.
He said the fight against insecurity required unity of purpose among political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
“Benue’s security challenge is a collective one and should be approached as such. We must be prepared to consult widely, tap into the experience of those who have served before and bring everyone with useful knowledge and ideas on board,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the community, the acting Tyoor Nzorov, Zaki Emmanuel Atoka, thanked Aondoakaa for visiting the area to identify with the people at a difficult time, saying the community was consoled by his visit.
Similarly, the President of the Nzorov Development Association, Kenneth Pool, commended Aondoakaa for standing with the people in their hour of sorrow.
Aondoakaa was accompanied on the condolence visit by political associates, friends and some members of the Benue State Working Committee of the PDP.
