The Benue State Government has strongly condemned what it described as the continuous, cynical and shameful weaponisation of recent armed herders’ attacks on innocent communities in the state by some opposition elements, especially the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, for narrow partisan political gain.
In a statement titled “Stop the Politicization of Tragedy: A Note to Aondoakaa and Hembe” and dated Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, said the development had become a source of serious worry and concern.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this irresponsible act. The blood of our people being spilled, the grief of bereaved families, the trauma of survivors, and the many other losses require compassion, urgent action, and unity, not sarcastic profiteering,” the statement read.
Kula described it as both shameful and a clear demonstration of heartlessness for individuals like Michael Aondoakaa and his followers to seize upon human suffering to score cheap political points and level unfounded accusations aimed primarily at fanning the embers of discord when solidarity and calm are most urgently needed. At a moment like this, he said, what the people of Benue expect and deserve is responsible leadership and constructive oversight.
According to the statement, confirmation by security chiefs abounds to the effect that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is consistently providing tangible support to security agencies through logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, personnel motivation, and coordination with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace. Every responsible citizen who genuinely cares for the people knows these efforts deserve recognition and measured scrutiny based on facts, not opportunistic blame designed to advance election year agendas.
The government expressed alarm at a recurring pattern in which some political actors, especially those in the opposition led by Michael Aondoakaa and Herman Hembe, who for years offered neither public empathy nor substantial solutions when the violence first escalated, suddenly appear at the forefront of every crisis with political statements and accusations. It described the continued exploitation of the suffering of children, women, elders and ordinary families for partisan headlines as a betrayal of civic decency and national conscience.
As a matter of fact, the statement noted, if as some have insinuated there are actors sponsoring violence to create political advantage, the relevant security agencies are strongly urged to thoroughly investigate such allegations, including any claims involving Michael Kaase Aondoakaa of the PDP and Herman Hembe of the Labour Party. It demanded that the relevant independent security authorities investigate these allegations swiftly and transparently, adding that anyone found to be inciting, funding or otherwise enabling attacks on innocent people to score heartless political points must be held fully accountable under the law.
The government called on all political leaders of good conscience, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media and citizens to reject this cynical politicisation and put the welfare and safety of the people of Benue above partisan interests.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for solidarity, facts, and action, not opportunism. The government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia stands with the victims and survivors and remains committed to working for truth, justice, and lasting peace in Benue State,” the statement concluded.
