Due to the overwhelming number of armed herdsmen attacking farmers in Benue, former Justice Minister Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on the United States of America to launch airstrikes in the region.
He made this statement over the weekend at a consultative dinner held in Makurdi for political stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
More than 15 of the state’s 23 LGAs are under the grip of armed herdsmen, according to Chief Aondoakaa, and the populace has been subjected to ongoing attacks by the current government.
According to him, a large number of people have been uprooted from their ancestral lands as a result of these attacks, and women and children are now living in extremely harsh conditions in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps throughout the state.
Benue State is home to terrorists. This is where US airstrikes ought to begin before heading to Sokoto. In Benue, these airstrikes are long overdue.
“Those who entered Benue under the pretence of grazing but have taken up arms against indigenous people, destroyed livelihoods, uprooted communities, and occupied ancestral lands are terrorists.”
Residents are suffering greatly as a result of armed herders taking over various local government districts, according to Chief Aondoakaa.
He was disappointed with the state government’s lacklustre response.
Chief Aondoakaa maintained that in order to address the issue directly, a strong international response was required, including US airstrikes.
In order to restore peace and stability, he also asked the Benue State Government to bolster the local security framework and make use of all available resources.
Aondoakaa, who is running for governor to replace Governor Hyacinth Alia, emphasised the importance of cooperation and unity among political leaders from all parties and promised to put security first if elected.
He urged for continued support to stop more assaults in Benue State and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to address national security issues.
Chief Aondoakaa reaffirmed his desire to lead Benue State and promised to protect the people’s safety and well-being.
He denounced recent acts of violence in the state, such as the murder of more than 200 people in the Yelewata hamlet.