Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Following his attendance at the Holy Mass marking the first anniversary of the June 2025 Yelewata massacre yesterday, the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Benue state, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN has restated his full commitment to ending insecurity in the state.
While showing his sympathies to the victims, their families and the affected local government, Guma, the former Attorney General of the Federation who said security is above everything promised that he will make the safety of lives and properties of the people of Benue state as the primary responsibility of his administration immediately he becomes governor in 2027.
Aondoakaa who was visibly moved to tears while speaking to one of the reporters of NIGERIAN CONCORD NEWSPAPER who covered the event stated that he will not encourage people to abandon their homes for towns or IDP camps, adding that he will ensure that they return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their lives.
Saying that development is impossible without sustainable peace, Chief Aondoakaa noted that he is already building bridges across political and ethnic divides. “By partnering with traditional leaders and implementing cross-border cultural linkages, I will ensure permanent regional harmony and return our displaced families safely back to their homes” he added.
However, Aondoakaa on his verified Social Media page wrote this morning that:
Yesterday, I joined the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, His Excellency Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, priests, religious men and women, the lay faithful, and sympathizers from across Benue State at Yelewata Community in Guma Local Government Area for a Holy Mass marking the first anniversary of the June 2025 Yelewata massacre. The memorial service was a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the innocent lives lost, praying for the repose of their souls, and standing in solidarity with the families and survivors who continue to bear the painful scars of that tragic event.
It was a deeply emotional experience witnessing the grief of bereaved families and listening to the testimonies of survivors whose lives were forever changed by the attack. Their resilience in the face of unimaginable pain is inspiring, but it also serves as a reminder that our collective responsibility is far from over. I once again call on the relevant authorities and all people of goodwill to work tirelessly towards ensuring lasting peace, security, and justice for the victims, as well as for every community affected by insecurity in Benue State.
I sincerely commend the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, for his uncommon courage and steadfast commitment to speaking for the oppressed and standing with the persecuted. I also appreciate the Equipping the Persecuted Foundation and Barr. Franc Utoo for their consistency, compassion, and dedication to supporting affected communities and restoring hope to those who have suffered. Together, we must continue to advocate for justice, uphold the dignity of every human life, and work towards building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Benue for all.