Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has moved to Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, in response to the alarming surge in violence against innocent villagers by herdsmen and militia groups.
The recent spate of killings, which has become almost a daily occurrence, has resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and widespread destruction of property, leaving many residents homeless.
Sources indicate that General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and other senior military officials, to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the situation.
In a decisive move, the COAS has ordered the deployment of additional troops to the region, aiming to confront the militia and armed groups terrorizing the local population. During his visit, General Oluyede will hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to discuss effective measures to curb the violence and review ongoing military operations.
The Army Chief plans to visit various troop locations and operational bases within the state to engage with soldiers and bolster their morale. Additionally, he intends to visit affected villages to reassure residents of their safety and the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens.
Concerned about the escalating violence in Benue, which many have described as ethnic cleansing, General Oluyede may implement strategic changes, including the potential redeployment of commanders overseeing operational units in the area. He is also expected to personally lead troops in active operations on the front lines.
This development follows a tragic weekend in which gunmen killed 43 people during renewed attacks on several communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas. The violence erupted shortly after a priest was shot along the Makurdi-Naka road, and multiple communities in Gwer West were targeted, resulting in significant loss of life, including that of a mobile police officer.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Nigerian Army remains focused on restoring peace and security in Benue State.
