Guma attack: Aondoakaa faults rising insecurity, says Benue can’t survive endless killings

By Johnson Arua

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has decried the killing of four residents by suspected armed herdsmen in Abaashwa community, Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, saying the persistent bloodshed has become unacceptable.

Aondoakaa, in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, described the latest attack, which also left several people injured, as "barbaric, heartbreaking and yet another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State."

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria extended his condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of victims receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the state, insisting that governments should be judged by their ability to prevent attacks rather than merely reacting after innocent lives have been lost.

"The true test of effective security lies in preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost," Aondoakaa said.

According to him, the repeated attacks on Benue communities have left residents living in fear, displaced thousands of farming families from their ancestral homes and posed a serious threat to the state's agricultural productivity.

He maintained that Benue people were looking beyond words of sympathy and expected decisive measures that would permanently halt the cycle of killings and displacement across the state.

Appealing to the Benue State Government to strengthen its security response, Aondoakaa said protecting lives and property remained the government's foremost constitutional obligation.

"Every available resource, every security architecture and every policy initiative should be directed towards achieving that sacred responsibility. Benue people deserve security, not endless condolences," he stated.

The PDP governorship candidate also expressed worry over reports that some victims experienced delays in receiving medical attention because of the ongoing industrial action by doctors in the state, urging the authorities to put emergency arrangements in place to guarantee prompt treatment for victims of violent attacks.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attack, healing for the injured and divine comfort for the bereaved families.