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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Benue State election, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has strongly condemned Sunday’s attacks by suspected armed herders on Akpachi Village in Akpa District and the Otukpo-Nobi community of Otukpo Local Government Area, where no fewer than 16 innocent persons were reportedly killed.
Chief Aondoakaa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who spoke in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, James Ian, described the attacks as barbaric, horrific and unacceptable.
He expressed deep sadness over reports that heavily armed terrorists invaded Akpachi Village between 3:00am and 4:00am while residents were asleep and unleashed terror on defenceless people.
According to him, the attacks were not mere criminal acts but deliberate acts of terrorism against innocent Benue people whose only offence is living peacefully on their ancestral land.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Akpa and Otukpo-Nobi communities, and the entire people of Otukpo Local Government Area over the tragic loss of lives.
Chief Aondoakaa notes that the latest killings are yet another painful reminder that many communities in Benue State remain vulnerable to violent attacks, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and disruption of farming activities.
He stresses that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, observing that the persistent attacks on communities across the state require urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities.
The PDP governorship candidate called on the Government to support security forces to strengthen operations in vulnerable communities, improve intelligence gathering, deploy adequate personnel to identified flashpoints and ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks are apprehended and prosecuted.
He lamented the growing frustration among Benue people who have continued to witness recurring attacks and loss of innocent lives, stressing that the people deserve more than condolences after every tragedy.
Aondoakaa maintained that the blood of innocent victims cries out for justice and called for renewed commitment to securing communities and protecting citizens from further attacks.
He sympathized with families of the victims and expresses solidarity with the people of Akpa, Otukpo-Nobi and all communities affected by insecurity in Benue State, assuring them that they are not alone in their grief.
