Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa Demands Independent Investigations into Benue Killings During Otukpo Condolence Visit

Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 Benue governorship election, visited Otukpo on Tuesday to commiserate with families affected by recent attacks in the area. The visit, which he described as a personal duty rather than a political campaign, was prompted by a call from Senator Abba Moro reminding him of the need to mourn face-to-face, especially given his marriage to an Idoma woman, making the victims his in-laws.

Speaking during the condolence visit, Aondoakaa stressed that human life should always come first, urging governments at all levels to speak up and act decisively whenever lives are lost. He emphasised that protecting citizens remains the primary responsibility of government. Drawing from his experience as Attorney General, he recalled how the Federal Government addressed the Niger Delta crisis by engaging with youths, listening to their grievances, and empowering them to protect their communities, rather than relying solely on military force. He suggested similar community-based engagement should be considered in tackling insecurity in Benue.

The PDP candidate called for a thorough investigation into the death of the late MACBAN chairman, arguing that government should establish the facts before making public conclusions. According to him, the circumstances surrounding the incident should have been properly investigated to determine whether it was an armed robbery or something else, instead of creating narratives that could worsen tensions.

Chief Aondoakaa further demanded an independent investigation into both the killing of the Fulani chairman and the recent attacks that claimed the lives of people in Benue. He said establishing the truth is necessary to prevent innocent communities from being wrongly blamed and to promote lasting peace between neighbouring communities.

“I have not come here for politics or campaign,” he said. “I have come to condole with my in-laws and to appeal to the Federal Government to investigate the entire circumstances surrounding these events so that the truth will be known and peace can reign.”

The visit has sparked discussions on the need for transparency and justice in addressing security challenges in Benue State.