MAKURDI — The 2027 Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has called for urgent and sustained security operations in Ukum Local Government Area following a deadly attack on communities in the area.
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said the people of Ukum could no longer be left to live under constant fear of armed attacks that have claimed lives, destroyed livelihoods and displaced residents.
He made the call in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, in reaction to the reported attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum LGA, in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to reports from the area, armed men riding motorcycles invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina and other communities, shooting sporadically and reportedly killing several residents while leaving others injured.
The attack, which reportedly lasted for several hours, forced many residents to flee into nearby bushes in search of safety.
Reacting to the incident, Aondoakaa described the attack as another disturbing indication of the worsening security situation confronting communities in parts of Benue State.
He questioned how long residents would continue to face attacks without adequate protection from the authorities.
“How long will Benue communities continue to wake up to gunfire? How many more farmers must be killed? How many more families must abandon their ancestral homes before the protection of these vulnerable communities is treated as the emergency that it is?” he asked.
Aondoakaa said residents were tired of burying their loved ones and abandoning their homes and farmlands whenever armed attackers struck.
“The people need protection, not another cycle of attacks followed by condolences and promises that produce no lasting security,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate urged the government and security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive operation in the affected parts of Ukum, secure vulnerable communities, track down the attackers and ensure that those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also called for a sustained security presence in vulnerable communities across the state, as well as improved intelligence gathering and faster response to security threats.
“Intelligence from local communities must be taken seriously, known routes used by armed groups must be secured, and rapid-response mechanisms must be strengthened. The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property,” he said.
Aondoakaa further stressed the need to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral communities and enable farmers to return to their fields without fear.
“Benue people have a right to their ancestral homes. They have a right to their farms. They have a right to go about their legitimate activities without fear of being killed.
“They should not have to surrender their communities to armed men because government has failed to provide sufficient protection,” he added.
He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attack and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Aondoakaa also urged the authorities to provide immediate assistance to affected communities and take concrete steps to guarantee the safe return of residents who fled their homes so they can rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
