The 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has said residents have a right to live in their ancestral homes without fear of terrorist attacks.
Aondoakaa made the statement after reports of a deadly attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to a statement by Aondoakaa’s media aide, James Ian, armed men riding motorcycles invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina and other communities at about 5 a.m.
The attackers reportedly fired at residents, killing several people and injuring others.
The attack allegedly continued for hours, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The casualty figures had not been independently confirmed at the time of publication.
Aondoakaa Condemns Violence
Aondoakaa described the incident as another sign that the security situation in parts of Benue requires immediate and exceptional action.
“How long will Benue communities continue to wake up to gunfire? How many more farmers must be killed? How many more families must abandon their ancestral homes before the protection of these vulnerable communities is treated as the emergency that it is?” he asked.
The senior lawyer and former Attorney-General of the Federation said residents were tired of repeated attacks, deaths and displacement.
“They are tired of burying loved ones. They are tired of fleeing their homes and farms whenever armed men strike,” he said.
Candidate Calls For Security Operation
Aondoakaa called on the government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive operation in the affected areas of Ukum.
He said the operation should secure the communities, pursue the attackers and ensure that those responsible for the violence were arrested and prosecuted.
He also called for a permanent security presence in vulnerable communities across Benue State.
The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army had not issued public statements on the reported attack at the time of publication.
Aondoakaa said security agencies should pay closer attention to information from local communities.
“Intelligence from local communities must be taken seriously, known routes used by armed groups must be secured, and rapid-response mechanisms must be strengthened,” he said.
He added that the protection of lives and property was the primary responsibility of government.
The call for local intelligence refers to information provided by residents about suspicious movements, routes and possible threats.
Right To Return Home
Aondoakaa said protecting residents, returning displaced families to their communities and allowing farmers to cultivate their land safely should remain priorities.
“Benue people have a right to their ancestral homes. They have a right to their farms. They have a right to go about their legitimate activities without fear of being killed,” he said.
He argued that residents should not be forced to surrender their communities to armed groups because of inadequate protection.
The latest incident adds to continuing security concerns in parts of Benue State, where attacks have displaced residents and disrupted farming activities.
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