Former Minister Of Justice, Aondoakaa Urges US Airstrikes On Armed Herdsmen In Benue

Former Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on the United States of America to commence air assaults in Benue over the large presence of armed herdsmen attacking farmers in the state.

He stated this over the weekend during a consultation dinner organised for political stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi.

Chief Aondoakaa said armed herdsmen are in control of more than 15 of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state, and the people have come under sustained attacks under the current administration.

He said these attacks have led to the mass displacement of residents from their ancestral homelands, with women and children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state under very difficult conditions.

“There are terrorists in Benue State. US airstrikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. These airstrikes are long overdue in Benue.

“Those who came to Benue under the guise of grazing but have taken up arms against indigenes, destroyed livelihoods, displaced communities, and occupied ancestral lands are terrorists.”

Chief Aondoakaa said several local government areas have been completely overrun by armed herdsmen, resulting in immense suffering for residents.

He expressed disappointment over the inadequate response by the state government.

Chief Aondoakaa insisted that decisive international intervention, including US airstrikes, was necessary to confront the threat head-on.

He also urged the Benue State Government to strengthen local security architecture and deploy all available resources to restore peace and stability.

Aondoakaa, who is seeking the governorship ticket to succeed Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to prioritise security if elected, stressing the need for unity and collaboration among political leaders across party lines.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at addressing national security challenges and called for sustained support to prevent further attacks in Benue State.

Chief Aondoakaa reiterated his aspiration to govern Benue State, pledging to ensure the safety and prosperity of residents.

He condemned recent violent attacks in the state, including the killing of over 200 persons in Yelewata community.