Ukum Attack: Benue People Tired of Counting Bodies — Aondoakaa

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for Benue State in the 2027 election, Michael Aondoakaa, has called on the government and security agencies to intensify operations in Ukum Local Government Area following a deadly attack on several communities.

Aondoakaa, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, made the call in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, while reacting to the attack reportedly carried out in Mbaterem, Ukum, in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2026.

According to reports, armed men riding motorcycles invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina and other communities, shooting at residents and allegedly killing several people while injuring others.

The attackers reportedly operated for several hours, forcing residents to flee their homes and seek safety in nearby bushes.

Reacting to the incident, Aondoakaa described the attack as another troubling indication of the worsening security situation in parts of Benue State.

He questioned how many more residents would have to be killed and displaced before the protection of vulnerable communities was treated as an emergency.

According to him, Benue residents were becoming exhausted by a recurring cycle of attacks, deaths, burials and displacement.

“The people need protection, not another cycle of attacks followed by condolences and promises that produce no lasting security,” he said.

The PDP candidate urged the government and security agencies to immediately launch a coordinated operation across affected parts of Ukum.

He called for the protection of vulnerable communities, the identification and arrest of those responsible for the attacks, and their prosecution according to the law.

Aondoakaa also advocated a sustained security presence in communities considered vulnerable, improved intelligence gathering and faster emergency response mechanisms.

He urged security agencies to take information from local residents seriously and secure routes reportedly used by armed groups.

Beyond preventing further attacks, he said security measures should enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes and regain access to their farms.

Aondoakaa maintained that Benue residents had the right to live in their ancestral communities and engage in farming and other legitimate activities without fear of being killed.

He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones, wished injured victims a speedy recovery and called for immediate assistance for affected communities.

The former minister stressed that restoring lasting peace in Ukum and other affected areas was essential for residents to return home, rebuild their livelihoods and resume normal activities.