Amid a surge in violent attacks across Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi to personally oversee military operations aimed at halting the relentless killings of villagers by herdsmen and militia groups.
The latest wave of violence has left scores of residents dead, injured, or displaced, with homes and farmlands razed in what many have described as an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing. In the past week alone, over 40 people were killed in separate attacks on Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas.
General Oluyede left Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers and other senior army officials, to carry out an on-the-ground assessment of the crisis. According to reports, the army chief has ordered an urgent deployment of additional troops to combat the armed groups terrorising Benue communities.
While in the state, Lt. Gen. Oluyede is expected to meet with operational commanders, review current strategies, and possibly order major tactical changes, including the redeployment of field commanders. He will also tour affected communities and military bases to interact with soldiers and reassure civilians of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace.
“He is said to be unhappy with reports of daily killings in Benue,” a source revealed, adding that the COAS may “personally lead troops in the operation” and spend several days on the ground before returning to Abuja.
Beyond military coordination, the COAS’s visit includes morale-boosting engagements with troops and condolence visits to attacked villages. Last weekend’s massacre of 43 people in Gwer West and Apa LGAs, along with the shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, has intensified pressure on the federal government to act.
The violence has particularly unsettled residents following attacks on the hometown of Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and the killing of a mobile police officer.
With Lt. Gen. Oluyede now at the forefront of efforts to contain the bloodshed, affected communities are hoping the Army’s heightened response will finally stem the tide of violence and restore long-lost security.
What you should know
COAS Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has moved to Benue State to directly lead operations against herders and militia groups responsible for widespread killings.
His visit follows a spate of deadly attacks, including the murder of 43 people last weekend, and signals a renewed military effort to restore order.
