In a statement issued yesterday by his media aide, James Ian, the PDP governorship candidate described the attack as “barbaric, heartbreaking and yet another painful reminder of the worsening security situation in Benue State.” He stressed that the true test of effective security lies in preventing attacks rather than merely responding after lives have been lost. He said: “Recurring attacks on Benue communities have created an atmosphere of fear, forcing many farmers away from their ancestral lands and threatening the state’s agricultural economy.” Aondoakaa said the people of the state desired concrete security measures that would end the endless cycle of killings and displacement. He, however, urged the authorities to make emergency arrangements to ensure that victims of violent attacks receive immediate medical care capable of saving lives.