Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has called on the United States government to extend its air strikes to Benue State in a bid to eliminate terrorists and armed bandits allegedly operating across the state.

Aondoakaa made the call during a late-night consultation dinner with political stakeholders in Makurdi, attended by leaders of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His remarks followed recent US air strikes on Islamic State-linked camps in Sokoto State’s Bauni forest, which were reportedly carried out on Christmas Day.

According to Aondoakaa, the security situation in Benue has deteriorated to a level that warrants similar international military intervention.

“There are terrorists in Benue State. The US air strikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. The air strikes are long overdue in Benue,” he said.

The former AGF lamented that several local government areas in the state had allegedly been overrun by armed groups posing as herders, accusing them of destroying farmlands, displacing residents, and occupying ancestral lands.

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He argued that the presence of heavily armed groups had crippled local economies and worsened humanitarian conditions, insisting that aerial military operations would significantly degrade their operational capacity.

Aondoakaa, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Benue governorship election, criticised the state government for what he described as a lack of urgency and sensitivity in addressing the security crisis.

He assured residents that if elected governor, the protection of lives and property would be his top priority, promising decisive action against insecurity.

The former justice minister also condemned recent killings in the state, particularly the reported massacre in Yelwata community, where about 200 people were allegedly killed in one day.

While calling for intensified security efforts, Aondoakaa commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing measures to tackle insecurity nationwide and urged sustained federal support to prevent further attacks in Benue.

He also acknowledged the roles of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and former governor Samuel Ortom in fostering unity in the state, urging continued collaboration for Benue’s development.

Speaking at the event, Ortom described Aondoakaa as a humble and experienced leader, praising his record of service as Attorney General under two different administrations.

Ortom stressed the importance of cross-party cooperation, calling on political actors to set aside differences and work together to address insecurity and underdevelopment in Benue State.

Former AGF Urges US to Extend Air Strikes to Benue to Flush Out Terrorists, Bandits

Punch