By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 5, 2026
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 order to dislodge terrorists and bandits allegedly operating in the area.
Aondoakaa made the call during a consultation dinner with political stakeholders held in Makurdi on Friday night, which stretched into the early hours of Saturday. The event was attended by leaders and stakeholders of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
According to the former AGF, the appeal has become necessary, due to what he described as the increasing presence and activities of terrorists in Benue State. His comments followed recent United States air strikes on Islamic State-linked camps in the Bauni forest area of Sokoto State, reportedly carried out late on Christmas Day.
“There are terrorists in Benue State. The U.S. air strikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. The air strikes are long overdue in Benue,” Aondoakaa said.
He lamented that several local government areas in the state had been overrun by armed groups – he claimed were masquerading as herders. According to him, individuals who initially arrived under the guise of grazing have allegedly taken up arms against host communities, destroyed livelihoods, displaced residents, occupied their land.
Aondoakaa, who is seeking the governorship of Benue State in the 2027 elections, criticized the state government for what he described as insensitivity to the security challenges confronting the people. He argued that foreign-assisted military operations, including U.S. air strikes would significantly help to curb the worsening insecurity.
He assured residents that if elected governor in 2027, strengthening security apparatus would be his top priority, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains paramount.
The former Minister also condemned the spate of killings in the state, particularly the reported attack on Yelwata community, where about 200 persons were allegedly killed in a single day. Despite the challenges, he commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity, nationwide, called for sustained federal intervention to prevent further attacks in Benue State.
Aondoakaa further acknowledged the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and a former governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, in promoting unity and stability, urging continued collaboration for the overall development of Benue.
In his remarks, former Governor Samuel Ortom expressed confidence in Aondoakaa’s capacity and humility, describing him as a leader with the experience and competence to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress. Ortom emphasised the need for strategic partnerships which transcend party lines, calling on political actors to work together towards addressing insecurity, underdevelopment in Benue.
He also praised Aondoakaa for maintaining what he described as a clean record during his tenure as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under two different administrations. Ortom acknowledged Senator George Akume’s influence in Benue politics, noting his role in producing three governors after his tenure, urged residents to continue praying for Nigerian leaders to make decisions that would advance national interest and development.
