From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The 2027 Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, on has visited Guma Local Government Area (LGA) to commiserate with families of the recent armed herdsmen attack that claimed several lives and left many others injured at Abaashwa community in Mbaasar, Nzorov Council Ward.
Addressing members of the community during the visit on Monday, Chief Aondoakaa reiterated his condemnation of the attack, describing the loss of innocent lives as deeply painful and unacceptable.
He consoled the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the people of Benue deserve to live peacefully in their ancestral homes without being subjected to persistent attacks, displacement and fear.
Chief Aondoakaa, who has consistently identified security as the foundation for any form of development, stressed that no meaningful progress could take place in an atmosphere of insecurity.
He said “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 commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of an Army Division with its headquarters in Makurdi, and the 11 Brigade, Gboko, as well as the measures taken by the Federal Government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel.
Aondoakaa urged Benue people to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and other necessary support to enable them effectively protect lives and property.
He also paid tribute to the immediate past Governor of Benue State and a son of Guma, Chief Samuel Ortom, for all his sacrifices and the tireless efforts his administration made towards protecting the people of the state.
According to him, those efforts culminated in the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which provided the legal framework for addressing conflicts arising from open grazing of livestock in the state.
Chief Aondoakaa maintained that the security of lives and property must never be reduced to partisan politics, stressing that those entrusted with leadership should be willing to consult widely and draw from the experience of former governors and other individuals with relevant knowledge of Benue’s security challenges.
He said tackling insecurity required unity of purpose among political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Acting Tyoor Nzorov, Zaki Emmanuel Atoka, thanked Chief Aondoakaa for visiting the area to identify with the people at a difficult time, saying the community was consoled by his visit.
Similarly, the President of Nzorov Development Association, Kenneth Pool, commended Chief Aondoakaa for standing with the people in their hour of sorrow.
Chief Aondoakaa was accompanied on the condolence visit by political associates, friends and some members of the State Working Committee of the PDP in Benue State.
(The Sun)