By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Mbaav, Mbadura and Turan communities of Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State, where several persons were reportedly murdered by suspected herdsmen.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, James Ian, the former Justice Minister described the attack as barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable, lamenting that innocent farmers were brutally killed in their own communities.

Aondoakaa said the tragic incident should trouble the conscience of every citizen, noting that the persistent attacks on rural communities have continued to deepen the insecurity facing Benue State.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims who have lost their loved ones in such cruel circumstances. I also sympathize with the many people who have been injured, displaced from their ancestral homes, or are still missing following these attacks. The trauma and suffering being inflicted on our people are simply unacceptable,” he said.

The former Attorney General expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and all those affected by the attack, including persons who sustained injuries, those displaced from their homes and others still unaccounted for after the invasion of the communities.

He noted that the renewed violence in Kwande was another painful reminder of the persistent insecurity confronting many communities across Benue State, adding that continuous attacks on rural settlements have turned once peaceful farming areas into zones of fear and displacement.

Aondoakaa also raised concern over what he described as the apparent silence and inaction of the Benue State Government in the face of recurring attacks.

He called on the Governor of Benue State to demonstrate leadership by providing reassurance, direction and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.

He said “the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. The people of Benue State expect proactive leadership in confronting the security challenges facing them.”

The former Minister also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by mobilizing adequate security personnel to the affected areas to halt the cycle of violence in the state.

While commending President Tinubu for his visit to Benue State following last year’s deadly attack in Yelewata in which over 200 people lost their lives, Aondoakaa said the gesture brought hope and reassurance to many grieving families.

He further called on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard lives and property, urging all levels of government to work together to address the growing security crisis affecting communities in the state.