Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has urged the United States government to consider extending its air operations to Benue State in order to confront what he described as worsening terrorist and bandit activities in the state.
Aondoakaa made the appeal on Friday night during a consultative dinner with political leaders and stakeholders in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The engagement, which lasted into the early hours of Saturday, drew prominent figures from both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to the former minister, insecurity in Benue has reached an alarming level, with armed groups increasingly operating across rural communities and local government areas.
His comments followed recent United States air strikes on camps linked to the Islamic State in the Bauni forest area of Sokoto State, reportedly carried out late on Christmas Day.
Aondoakaa argued that similar military intervention was urgently required in Benue, which he said has suffered years of violent attacks without adequate response.
“There are terrorists operating in Benue State. If air strikes are being carried out elsewhere, Benue should not be left out. Such intervention is long overdue,” he said.
He alleged that several local government areas had been overtaken by armed groups who initially presented themselves as herders but later resorted to violence.
According to him, these groups have attacked farming communities, destroyed crops and homes, displaced residents and occupied farmlands, leaving many families without livelihoods.
Aondoakaa, who has indicated interest in contesting the Benue governorship election in 2027, criticised the state government’s handling of the security situation, describing it as insensitive and ineffective.
He maintained that decisive action, including external military support where necessary, would significantly weaken armed groups and help restore peace and stability across the state.
The former Attorney General assured residents that if elected governor, his administration would place security at the top of its agenda.
He said the protection of lives and property would be his foremost priority, adding that he would strengthen collaboration between security agencies and local communities to address the crisis.
Aondoakaa also condemned the recent spate of killings in the state, citing the reported massacre in Yelwata community where about 200 people were allegedly killed in a single day.
While expressing concern over the persistent violence, he commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts aimed at tackling insecurity across the country and called for sustained federal involvement to prevent further attacks in Benue.
He also acknowledged the roles played by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, in promoting unity and political stability in the state.
Speaking at the event, Ortom described Aondoakaa as a seasoned leader with the experience and humility required to contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue.
He emphasised the need for cooperation across party lines, urging political actors to work together to address insecurity and underdevelopment in the state, and called on residents to support leaders committed to peace and progress.
