Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has called on the United States government to extend its air strikes to Benue State, to flush out terrorists and bandits operating in the area.

Aondoakaa made the call during a consultation dinner with political stakeholders in Makurdi on Friday night, which ended in the early hours of Saturday.

The event was attended by leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The former AGF said the call had become necessary due to what he described as the growing presence of terrorists in Benue State.

His appeal comes in the wake of recent US air strikes on Islamic State-linked camps in Sokoto State’s Bauni forest area, carried out late on Christmas Day.

Aondoakaa said the call to redirect similar operations to Benue was necessary due to what he described as the growing presence of terrorists in the state.

“There are terrorists in Benue State. The US air strikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. The air strikes are long overdue in Benue,” Aondoakaa said.

He lamented that several local government areas in the state had been overrun by armed groups he said were masquerading as herders.

According to him, herders who initially came under the guise of grazing had taken up arms against communities, destroyed sources of livelihood, displaced residents and occupied their land.

Aondoakaa, who is seeking the governorship of Benue State in 2027, criticised the state government for what he described as insensitivity to the security challenges confronting the state, insisting that US air strikes would significantly help to address the situation.

He assured residents of his commitment to strengthening security if elected governor in 2027, saying the safety of lives and property would be his priority.

The former minister also condemned the spate of killings in the state, particularly the reported massacre in Yelwata community, where about 200 people were killed in a single day.

He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide and called for sustained federal support to prevent further attacks in Benue.

Aondoakaa also acknowledged the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and a former governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, in promoting unity, urging continued collaboration for the development of Benue.

Speaking at the event, Ortom expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s capacity and humility, describing him as a leader with the experience to contribute meaningfully to the state.

Ortom emphasised the need for strategic partnerships that transcend party lines, calling for cooperation among political actors to lift Benue out of insecurity and underdevelopment.

He praised Aondoakaa for what he described as his clean record after serving as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under two different presidents.

The former governor also acknowledged the role of Senator George Akume in shaping Benue politics and producing three governors after his tenure, and called on residents to pray for Nigerian leaders to take decisions that would benefit the country. (The PUNCH)

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