Benue South killings: Aondoakaa, running mate condemn Otukpo attack, propose security measures

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Benue State in the 2027 election, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), and his running mate, Dr. Ogbenjuwa Oyije Ocheakiti, have condemned the attack by suspected armed herders on Otukpo Nobi community in Otukpo District of Otukpo Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed the lives of more than eight people and displaced several others.

In a joint statement issued by their campaign organisation, the duo expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Idoma people, describing the latest attack as a tragedy that underscored what they termed the failure of the state government to adequately protect lives and property.

Aondoakaa criticised what he described as “governance by lamentation,” arguing that despite the huge security votes allocated to the state government, many communities remain vulnerable to attacks.

He also faulted what he described as the failure to provide adequate logistical and operational support to federal security agencies, including Operation Whirl Stroke, saying the situation had weakened counter-insurgency efforts in troubled communities.

His running mate, Ocheakiti, a security expert, said governments must move beyond issuing condolence messages and take proactive steps to prevent attacks.

The PDP candidates proposed a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address insecurity in Benue South.

Among the security measures they recommended were the establishment of Forward Operational Bases (FOBs) at identified entry points and transit routes allegedly used by armed attackers, institutionalising and equipping state-backed Civil Protection Guards and community volunteer groups, as well as conducting intelligence-driven operations to flush out criminal hideouts in forests across the area.

They also advocated the transparent deployment of security votes to support early warning systems, including drone surveillance, community hotlines and geospatial tracking technology.

Other recommendations included strengthening border security through collaboration with neighbouring states, implementing a secure resettlement programme for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and empowering traditional rulers, youth groups and community development associations to improve intelligence gathering and conflict resolution.

The duo maintained that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, assuring residents that security would remain a key priority in their proposed governance agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.