By Yahaya Idris
The 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has called for a non-partisan approach to tackling insecurity in the state.
Aondoakaa made the call when he visited Abaashwa community in Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area, to commiserate with families affected by a recent armed herdsmen attack that claimed several lives and left others injured.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice condemned the attack, describing the loss of innocent lives as painful and unacceptable.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Aondoakaa said the people of Benue deserved to live peacefully in their ancestral communities, cultivate their farms and pursue their livelihoods without fear of attacks, displacement or death.
“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.
Aondoakaa Commends Tinubu
The PDP governorship candidate commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division with its headquarters in Makurdi and the 11 Brigade in Gboko.
He also praised measures by the Federal Government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel.
Aondoakaa urged residents of Benue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could assist them in protecting lives and property.
Security Beyond Partisan Politics
The former Justice Minister maintained that security must not be subjected to partisan political considerations.
According to him, political leaders and other stakeholders must be prepared to consult widely and draw from the experience of former governors and other individuals with knowledge of Benue’s security challenges.
He said a coordinated approach involving political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and residents was necessary to address the state’s security problems.
Aondoakaa Praises Ortom’s Security Efforts
Aondoakaa also paid tribute to former Benue State Governor and Guma indigene, Chief Samuel Ortom, for what he described as sacrifices and efforts made by his administration to protect the people.
He specifically recalled the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which provided a legal framework for addressing conflicts associated with open grazing in the state.
Community Appreciates Visit
Responding on behalf of the community, the Acting Tyoor Nzorov, Zaki Emmanuel Atoka, thanked Aondoakaa for visiting the area at a difficult moment.
Atoka said the visit provided consolation to the affected community and demonstrated concern for families who lost loved ones.
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The President of Nzorov Development Association, Kenneth Pool, also commended Aondoakaa for identifying with the people duri
ng their period of grief.
Aondoakaa was accompanied on the visit by political associates, friends and some members of the PDP State Working Committee in Benue State.