Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, has condemned the attacks on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area.

Mr Aondoakaa, in a statement by his media assistant, James Ian, on Sunday, described the attacks by suspected armed herders as barbaric, horrific and unacceptable.

The governorship candidate, who is also a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed sadness that the attackers reportedly invaded Akpachi Village between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, and killed innocent people.

According to him, the attacks are not ordinary criminal acts but deliberate acts of terrorism against peaceful Benue people living on their ancestral land.

The PDP governorship candidate extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Akpa and Otukpo-Nobi communities, and the entire Otukpo LGA over the tragic loss of lives.

He said the latest killings highlighted the continued vulnerability of communities in Benue to violent attacks, resulting in deaths, displacement of residents and disruption of farming activities.

Mr Aondoakaa stated that the protection of lives and property remained the government’s primary responsibility and called for urgent and decisive measures to halt the persistent attacks.

He urged the government to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities, improve intelligence gathering, deploy adequate personnel to identified flashpoints and ensure that those behind the attacks were arrested and prosecuted.

The former justice minister said Benue people deserved more than condolences after every tragedy, insisting that the blood of innocent victims cried out for justice.

He also expressed solidarity with affected communities and called for a renewed commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across Benue State.

(NAN)