Table of Contents
- Call for Action
- Consultation Dinner
- Presence of Armed Herdsmen
- Displacement of Residents
- Terrorism in Benue State
- Local Government Response
- International Intervention
- Governorship Aspiration
- Presidential Commendation
- Recent Attacks
Former Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has urged the United States of America to initiate airstrikes in Benue due to the significant presence of armed herdsmen attacking farmers in the region.
He made this statement over the weekend during a consultation dinner held for political stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi.
Chief Aondoakaa noted that armed herdsmen currently dominate more than 15 of the 23 Local Government Areas within the state, and residents have suffered ongoing assaults under the current administration.
He explained that these attacks have resulted in the mass displacement of individuals from their ancestral homes, with women and children residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps throughout the state under extremely challenging conditions.
“There are terrorists in Benue State. US airstrikes should have commenced here before moving to Sokoto. These airstrikes are long overdue in Benue.
“Those who entered Benue under the pretense of grazing, but have taken up arms against the locals, destroyed livelihoods, displaced communities, and occupied ancestral lands are terrorists.”
Chief Aondoakaa stated that several local government areas have been entirely overrun by armed herdsmen, leading to considerable suffering for the residents.
He expressed disappointment regarding the insufficient response from the state government.
Chief Aondoakaa insisted that decisive international intervention, including US airstrikes, is essential to effectively confront this threat.
He also called on the Benue State Government to enhance local security measures and utilize all available resources to restore peace and stability.
Aondoakaa, who is vying for the governorship ticket to succeed Governor Hyacinth Alia, promised to prioritize security if elected, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among political leaders across party lines.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to tackle national security challenges and urged for continued support to avert further attacks in Benue State.
Chief Aondoakaa reaffirmed his ambition to lead Benue State, committing to ensuring the safety and prosperity of its residents.
He condemned the recent violent incidents in the state, including the deaths of over 200 individuals in the Yelewata community.
What actions has Chief Aondoakaa proposed regarding the security situation in Benue State? Chief Aondoakaa has called for US airstrikes to address the threat posed by armed herdsmen and urged the Benue State Government to strengthen local security measures.
Chief Aondoakaa has called for US airstrikes to address the threat posed by armed herdsmen and urged the Benue State Government to strengthen local security measures.
What has been the impact of the attacks by armed herdsmen in Benue State? The attacks have led to significant displacement of residents, with many women and children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps under difficult conditions.
The attacks have led to significant displacement of residents, with many women and children living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps under difficult conditions.
What is Chief Aondoakaa's position on the government's response to these issues? He expressed disappointment over the inadequate response from the state government to the ongoing crisis.
He expressed disappointment over the inadequate response from the state government to the ongoing crisis.



