Former Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has issued a profound and urgent plea for the United States of America to initiate air assaults in Benue State. This call comes in direct response to the escalating crisis of Benue herdsmen attacks, which he asserts have plunged the region into chaos. The former minister’s statement underscores the dire security challenges gripping Benue, where armed herdsmen are reportedly controlling significant swathes of land, perpetrating sustained violence against local farming communities, and causing widespread displacement.
Chief Aondoakaa articulated his grave concerns during a critical consultation dinner held in Makurdi, bringing together influential political stakeholders from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He revealed that more than 15 of Benue’s 23 Local Government Areas are now under the de facto control of these armed groups. This devastating occupation has led to incessant attacks, destroying livelihoods and forcing countless residents from their ancestral homes. The humanitarian toll is immense, with women, children, and the elderly living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state under extremely difficult and often perilous conditions, highlighting a severe breakdown of security and order.
“There are terrorists in Benue State. US airstrikes should have started here before going to Sokoto. These airstrikes are long overdue in Benue,” Chief Aondoakaa declared with conviction. He unequivocally labeled those who have taken up arms against the indigenous population as terrorists, emphasizing that their initial guise of grazing has morphed into a campaign of destruction, displacement, and illegal occupation of lands. This strong assertion seeks to elevate the conflict to an international security concern, justifying the need for external military intervention.
What is the Benue crisis? The Benue crisis refers to the protracted and often violent conflict primarily between settled farming communities and nomadic pastoralists in Benue State, Nigeria, driven by disputes over land, resources, and grazing routes, leading to significant loss of life and widespread displacement.
The former minister expressed profound disappointment regarding what he described as an inadequate response from the state government, noting the complete overrun of several local government areas. His insistence on decisive international intervention, particularly through US airstrikes Nigeria debate, reflects a deep-seated belief that conventional local security measures have proven insufficient against the organized and persistent nature of the assailants. This stark assessment brings into sharp focus the desperate need for a robust and effective strategy to restore order, protect civilian lives, and prevent further territorial losses, prompting a crucial discussion on the effectiveness and ethics of foreign military involvement.
To effectively address the persistent issue of farmers vs herdsmen conflict Nigeria, Chief Aondoakaa also urged the Benue State Government to significantly bolster its local security architecture. He called for the immediate deployment of all available resources, including enhanced community policing, improved intelligence gathering, and rapid response units, to bring about peace and stability. This multi-pronged approach, he argued, is crucial for a sustainable resolution, combining international support with strengthened domestic capabilities to secure the state’s borders and protect its citizens from further aggression.
Aondoakaa, who is actively seeking the governorship ticket to succeed Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to make security his paramount priority if elected. His political ambition is deeply intertwined with the prevailing security challenges, making the promise of peace and stability a central theme of his campaign. He stressed the critical need for unity and collaboration among political leaders across party lines, asserting that a unified front is essential to effectively tackle these existential threats facing the state and its people, ensuring a safer future for all residents.
For those seeking to understand the complexities, a Benue crisis explained for beginners approach reveals that the conflict is deeply rooted in a confluence of socio-economic factors, including climate change, population growth, desertification, and inadequate land-use policies. These issues are further exacerbated by weak governance and insufficient law enforcement, creating a continuous cycle of violence. A comprehensive Nigeria security crisis solutions guide must therefore address not only immediate threats but also underlying causes, proposing sustainable land management practices, equitable justice mechanisms, and robust community reconciliation efforts to prevent future escalations and foster lasting peace.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to address national security challenges across the country, advocating for sustained support to prevent further Benue herdsmen update attacks. The former minister reiterated his aspiration to govern Benue State, promising to ensure the safety and prosperity of all residents through proactive security measures and economic development. This commitment comes in the wake of recent violent incidents, including the tragic killing of over 200 persons in the Yelewata community, underscoring the urgency of effective leadership and decisive action to halt the bloodshed.
Looking ahead, the Nigeria security outlook 2026 remains a critical concern, with the resolution of the Benue crisis playing a pivotal role in the nation’s overall stability and economic recovery. The upcoming Benue governorship race 2026 will undoubtedly be significantly shaped by candidates’ proposed solutions to these pervasive security woes. Aondoakaa’s firm stance and bold call for robust intervention, including US airstrikes, highlight the profound challenges and the desperate need for lasting peace and protection from the relentless Benue herdsmen attacks that continue to plague Benue State.
