ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In response to the escalating wave of violent attacks and killings in Benue State by suspected herdsmen and militia groups, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to the state capital, Makurdi, along with his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) and top brass of the Nigerian Army.
Vanguard reports that General Oluyede departed Abuja on Tuesday morning to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation, which has grown increasingly dire.
The state has witnessed almost daily bloodshed, with numerous villagers killed, others injured or maimed, and countless homes destroyed forcing many into homelessness.
According to military sources, the army chief is visibly disturbed by the reports of constant killings and has taken decisive steps by ordering the deployment of more troops to the state.
These forces are expected to give the militia and armed elements “the battle of their lives.”
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While in Benue, General Oluyede is expected to hold high-level strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to review the ongoing operations and strategize new approaches aimed at ending the cycle of violence.
“He will also visit troops’ locations and operational bases across the state to interact with personnel, boost their morale, and reinforce their fighting spirit,” a military source disclosed.
In addition to military briefings, the COAS will tour villages that have suffered recent attacks, reassuring local residents of their safety and reaffirming the army’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Sources revealed that General Oluyede is unhappy with the recurring violence and may implement significant changes, including the redeployment of some commanders, to strengthen operational effectiveness on the ground.
The Army Chief is expected to personally lead troops in field operations during his stay, which will span several days before his scheduled return to Abuja.
These actions come amid increasing concerns over what many have described as “ethnic cleansing” in Benue State.
Heavily armed attackers, believed to be herdsmen, have continued to storm villages using sophisticated weapons and machetes in a deadly rampage.
Just last weekend, 43 people were killed in fresh attacks across multiple communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas.
This occurred barely a week after suspected herdsmen militia shot a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, along the Makurdi–Naka road and killed 42 others, including a mobile police officer, during assaults on four Gwer West communities, one of which is the hometown of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe.
General Oluyede’s visit is seen as a strong statement by the military leadership and a critical move to confront and neutralize the persistent threat to peace in Benue.