Ukum Attack: Aondoakaa demands urgent action, says Benue tired of counting bodies

Chief Michael Aondoakaa, the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State and former Attorney-General of the Federation, has demanded urgent and sustained security operations in the Ukum Local Government Area. His call follows a deadly attack on communities in the region, which he stated has left residents unable to live in constant fear of armed assaults that claim lives, destroy livelihoods, and displace populations.

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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?

Aondoakaa's statement, issued by his Media Assistant James Ian, was a reaction to reports of an attack on communities in Mbaterem, Ukum LGA, early Sunday, August 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts from the area describe armed individuals on motorcycles invading Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina, and other communities. The attackers reportedly engaged in sporadic shooting, resulting in multiple resident fatalities and injuries. The assault, which allegedly lasted for several hours, forced residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Describing the incident as a grim reminder of the state's security challenges, Aondoakaa questioned the prolonged suffering of Benue communities. "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. He emphasized that residents are weary of burying loved ones and abandoning their homes and farms after each attack, stating, "The people need protection, not another cycle of attacks followed by condolences and promises that produce no lasting security."

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

Aondoakaa urged the government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive operation in Ukum, secure vulnerable areas, apprehend the attackers, and ensure they are prosecuted. He also called for a persistent security presence across Benue's vulnerable communities, enhanced intelligence gathering, and strengthened rapid-response mechanisms. "Intelligence from local communities must be taken seriously, known routes used by armed groups must be secured, and rapid-response mechanisms must be strengthened. The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property," he asserted. Restoring security, he added, must include facilitating the safe return of displaced residents and enabling farmers to work their fields without fear, affirming their right to their homes and livelihoods.

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Intelligence from local communities must be taken seriously, known routes used by armed groups must be secured, and rapid-response mechanisms must be strengthened. The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property.