Army Chief Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede arrived in Benue State on Tuesday, aiming to halt the recent surge in killings and displacements attributed to suspected herders and militia groups. A senior official at Army Headquarters in Abuja, who spoke to Journalists on condition of anonymity, explained that Gen. Oluyede was deeply troubled by reports of innocent civilians being targeted and communities uprooted.
Accompanied by Principal Staff Officers and other senior Army officers, the COAS’s mission is to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the security situation and bolster efforts to eliminate these armed factions. According to the source, Gen. Oluyede has already ordered the deployment of additional troops and logistical support to the volatile regions.
“While in Benue State, the COAS, is expected to hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the massacre,” the official said.
“He is also expected to visit troops locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit. The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect lives and property of law abiding citizens. General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation in the battle front.”
Recent weeks have seen a disturbing uptick in violent incidents across Benue. On May 24, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo was ambushed while traveling from Makurdi to Naka, the Gwer-East Local Government Area headquarters. Though gravely wounded and left for dead, Father Atongo managed to survive.
Just days later, on May 29, gunmen stormed Agan Community in Makurdi during broad daylight, leaving several people dead. The violence continued into June, with attacks on Naka town in Gwer West LGA and Edikwu-Ankpali in Apa LGA of Benue on June 1, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Further reports indicate that Tse-Antswam in Naka suffered a brutal assault by suspected herders on June 2, claiming at least 17 lives and leaving many more missing or displaced. A simultaneous raid on Edikwu and Ankpali communities in Apa LGA recorded at least 16 confirmed deaths, with scores still unaccounted for.
Residents across these affected areas have appealed for government intervention as businesses and other local activities have been crippled.
In response, Gen. Oluyede’s arrival is intended to intensify current operations, improve coordination among security units, and deliver much-needed reassurance to victims and their families.
