0
Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), the Benue State governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the killing of four persons in Ndzorov, the council ward of the immediate past Governor of the state Chief Samuel Ortom, by armed herdsmen on Monday night.
The attack which took place on Abaashwa community in Mbaasar, Nzorov council ward of Guma Local Government Area (LGA), also left several other people with varying degrees of injuries.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue state command, DSP Peter Orchia, said, investigations into the incident was ongoing.
WPhile he pledged to furnish us with more details, he said, “I can confirm that thier was an attack in Guma where four persons were killed by suspected bandits, investigations is ongoing to bring the culprits to book.”
However, in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday, and signed by James Ian, the Media Assistant to Chief Aondoakaa, described the attack “as barbaric, heartbreaking and yet another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State.
“He (Aondoakaa) extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the attack, and prays for the speedy recovery of those currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.”
The PDP governorship candidate, who also expressed concern about the deteriorating state of security in Benue, stressed that the true test of effective security lies in preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost.
Furthermore, he observed that the recurring attacks on Benue communities have created an atmosphere of fear, forcing many farmers away from their ancestral lands and threatening the state’s agricultural economy.
Aondoakaa, who appealed to the state government to appreciate that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and should therefore command greater attention, he argued that the people of Benue are yearning for concrete security measures that will end the endless cycle of killings and displacement.
According to him, “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 also expressed concern over reports that some injured victims experienced delays in accessing prompt medical attention due to the ongoing industrial action by doctors in the state.
Subsequently, he urged concerned authorities to make emergency arrangements to ensure that victims of violent attacks receive immediate medical care capable of saving lives.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives in the attack, divine healing for the injured and God’s comfort for the bereaved families. End.
