In a bold response to the worsening insecurity in Benue State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to the state capital, Makurdi, with his top military aides to take direct control of military operations.
The move comes amid increasing attacks by suspected herdsmen and armed militias, which have claimed dozens of lives in recent weeks, destroyed homes, and displaced hundreds of villagers. In the most recent assault last weekend, 43 people were killed in fresh attacks on communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas.
Sources at the Army Headquarters confirmed that General Oluyede left Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Staff Officers and other senior officials. The purpose of the visit is to get a firsthand assessment of the situation and oversee a more coordinated military response.
Upon arrival, the COAS ordered the immediate deployment of more troops to Benue to combat the attackers and restore peace. He is expected to spend several days in the state, during which he will hold strategic meetings with operational and unit commanders to review the ongoing security operations.
“The Army Chief is very disturbed by the reports of near-daily killings and has vowed to give the armed groups terrorising Benue a serious fight,” a military source told our reporter.
During his stay, Oluyede will visit affected villages and engage with residents to reassure them of the army’s commitment to their protection. He is also scheduled to inspect troops’ locations and operational bases, interact with soldiers on the ground, and boost their morale.
It is understood that the Army Chief may make changes in the command structure, including redeploying some officers to strengthen operations in the affected areas.
Oluyede’s personal involvement comes at a critical time. In the past month, Benue has witnessed a surge in brutal attacks, widely believed to be carried out by herdsmen militias. The attackers, often armed with sophisticated weapons and machetes, have raided villages, killing residents, including security personnel.
One of the most shocking incidents occurred recently when a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, was shot along the Makurdi-Naka road. Four communities in Gwer West, including the hometown of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, were also attacked, leaving 42 people dead, among them a mobile police officer.
Many in the state have described the killings as ethnic cleansing, and local leaders have repeatedly called for urgent intervention from the federal government and the military.
Oluyede’s presence in Benue signals a tougher stance from the Nigerian Army, as public outrage grows over the continued violence. His decision to personally lead from the front is seen as a strong message to both the attackers and the people of Benue that the army is ready to act decisively.
